What are dark spikes protruding from live rock??

[1112-425XL]

Is there a name for these dark stick like protrusions on my live rock? Can they harm anything? Here is a small sample.

 

[EgotisticObeseChihuahua]

Vermented snails, they release a sticky string to collect food. That string can cover and starve nearby corals. Generally bumble bee snails can take care of them. But you would need to do your own research on what treatment would be best for you if you want to even get rid of them.

 

[Red_Beard]

Yep, vermetids. Ive had them explode before, but a couple dont hurt anything, unless they start irritatinga coral, then kill the ones next to your coral. If you do have them, and dont want to fight getting rid of them, watch how you feed powdered foods. Reef roids, benireef etc, that stuff broadcast fed often will cause a population explosion. If you target feed and not as often their numbers remain managable. That has been my experience anyways.

 

[Katrina71]

I usually pop mine off with my thumb and coral glue over