Strange string

[JumperAlex]

Can anyone tell me what the really long string looking thing with a white ball at the tip that is coming out of my branching hammer is?

 

[k2parkstar]

Looks like a sweeper tentacle

 

[JumperAlex]

Is it used to get food?

 

[NanaReefer]

Is it used to get food?

Exactly what it's used for :) Have you ever target fed it? Try letting some brine shrimp fall on top of it. They love it!

 

[Tahoe61]

Is it used to get food?

It's used to sting other encroaching corals. The specialized tentacle is packed with nematocyst, it is a defense mechanism not used to acquire nutrition.

 

[ingtar_shinowa]

It is not used to get food lol.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Moved to LPS Forum

 

[Reefing Madness]

Sweeper Tentacles

 

[Mike J.]

A little fact: The sweeper tentacles of Euphylliids are some of the most dangerous among commonly kept corals. Aquarists should exercise due caution that they do not get stung and tankmates will need to be placed at sufficient distance. Never underestimate the reach of a Euphylliid's sweeper tentacles. Sweepers 10 inches long are not uncommon and larger ones have been observed. Caution with such tentacles must be exercised or aquarists will suffer some significant degree of pain from the "right tentacle on the wrong day."

 

[NanaReefer]

It is not used to get food lol.

Glad you found my lack of knowledge funny. Truly what makes learning from someone like you so enjoyable.