What is this guy...

[pharazon]

I noticed that frag plug my Duncan is on was moving around so I watched it for awhile and found this guy..

Now I know there’s an ID thread - I checked there and googled quite a bit. The closest I can find is maybe a peanut worm? But I’m not quite sure as nothing looking exactly like it. Hope you folks can give me some insight!

 

[SAPPER]

Its a sea cucumber probably one of the Synaptidae looking at it.

 

[pharazon]

Its a sea cucumber probably one of the Synaptidae looking at it.

There are some similar images when I searched cucumbers, particularly Medusa worms - but in the videos I’ve watched, none of them move very quick. This guy is FAST. Not sure if you can tell with the GIF.

 

[SAPPER]

Synaptidae are the ones nicknamed medusa. Off the top of my head I think there are over 100 Synaptidae.

 

[SAPPER]

Synaptidae are the ones nicknamed medusa. Off the top of my head I think there are over 100 Synaptidae.

 

[pharazon]

Got some more pictures and video of him this evening. I would agree he’s in the family Synaptidae, but I can’t find anything more precise. It definitely appears to be searching for detritus, but he’s also irritating the coral he hangs around. He runs his tentacles across the base of the Duncan, and the Duncan closes up or goes limp in response. I think I’d like to trap him and remove him, but he always keeps part of his body within the rock work. I’ve seen approximately 2 inches exposed, so he must be decently long. Although I will note he stretches himself quite thin while exploring.

Anyone have suggestions? I’m thinking I might fill a glass vial with food and place it near the Duncan frag. Maybe if it’s a long vial he will come all the way out with the lights out. I would love to hear if anyone has experience with this situation!