What are these tubes?

[Euphylliaphyle]

What are these sticking out from under my Chalice frag (lower left of frag)? I dipped the frag in KCl solution (1/2 tbsp/qt tank water x 10 min) when I got it. The dip took out a tiny serpentine star, but I just noticed these and I've had the frag now for two weeks.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I can’t tell from the photo or scale, but assume tube worms of some type (or at least their shells) or vermatid snails.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

I can’t tell from the photo or scale, but assume tube worms of some type (or at least their shells) or vermatid snails.

I was thinking tube worms, but wouldn't the KCl dip knock them out? I don't think Vermatid. I have hundreds of those and these are probably tenfold larger.

 

[JGT]

Large vermetids. Lift the coral to find out.

 

[BeanAnimal]

They can be fairly resilient, the tube is a shelter and many species of worms have a hatch or seal that is part of their body, called an operculum. The same idea as the operculum (opening cover) on a snail. It is there to prevent predators, or even keep water in tidal zones. I wouldn’t stress over them. If they do appear to be an irritant to the coral you can always physically remove them. But, they came with the coral and it is healthy, so leave them.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Large vermetids. Lift the coral to find out.

Gawd, I hope not! My arms were in the tank all day, so next time. Maybe they'll show themselves before then.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

They can be fairly resilient, the tube is a shelter and many species of worms have a hatch or seal that is part of their body, called an operculum. The same idea as the operculum on a snail. It is there to prevent predators, or even keep water in tidal zones. I wouldn’t stress over them. If they do appear to be an irritant to the coral you can always physically remove them. But, they came with the coral and it is healthy, so leave them.

I was wondering if the white end on one of them was an operculum. I wasn't sure if tube worms even had those. Thank you!

 

[Mebbid]

Vermetid Snails, they are a problematic hitchiker, filter feeder that are generally harmless, but the population can easily explode and the mucus nets they put out to filter feed can sometimes annoy corals.

In my last tank I had them grow to plague like numbers, so I exterminate them with prejudice. Generally, I cut them off at the base and throw them out.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I really don’t worry about vermatid smails either. Sure they can irritate a coral on occasion, but they don’t typically cause me concern or problems. I just let them do their thing.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

I can't get a decent pic, but this thing appears to be branching. I think that would rule out Vermatids. Plus, that would be one HUGE Vermatid. These tubes are about 3/16" diameter.
The tubes appear flexible - they seem to be swaying a bit in the flow - and one of them has now deployed at least two short, soft appendages from the tip. Curiouser and curiouser.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Vermetid Snails, they are a problematic hitchiker, filter feeder that are generally harmless, but the population can easily explode and the mucus nets they put out to filter feed can sometimes annoy corals.

In my last tank I had them grow to plague like numbers, so I exterminate them with prejudice. Generally, I cut them off at the base and throw them out.

I have hundreds of Vermatids. None come close to these in size. Not ruling out a new-to-me species of these, but they are unlike any in my tank.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have hundreds of Vermatids. None come close to these in size. Not ruling out a new-to-me species of these, but they are unlike any in my tank.

I have all kinds of tube worms. I enjoy them. Just something different to look at and watch grow.

 

[JGT]

I have hundreds of Vermatids. None come close to these in size. Not ruling out a new-to-me species of these, but they are unlike any in my tank.

They can get big.

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

They can get big.

I see! I'll have nightmares about their snotwebs tonight.

 

[Mebbid]

I see! I'll have nightmares about their snotwebs tonight.

The biggest species of vermetid builds a tube that's up to 3/4 of an inch across and 17 inches long

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

The biggest species of vermetid builds a tube that's up to 3/4 of an inch across and 17 inches long

Thank you for that image.

 

[Mebbid]

Thank you for that image.

Happy to help, the ocean ALWAYS has some more nightmare fuel to throw on the fire :D

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

Happy to help, the ocean ALWAYS has some more nightmare fuel to throw on the fire :D

That's part of what makes this hobby fascinating.