White Strings at base of Millepora? What could this be?

[SliceGolfer]

Hi Friends - I've had this Millepora for almost 30 days. It has been coloring up, some base growth, and otherwise looking good. Today, I notice this white stringy material at the base. It appears to be on the flesh as well as the frag plug. The coral does not appear to be bothered about this substance, and the substance flows in the current. I haven't seen anything like this in my tanks before so hoping someone has an idea. I have not attempted to blow this off or disturb the substance. Thanks in advance.

 

[RabidDragon]

I'm sure someone will post the name of them, can't remember at the moment but they are basically digestive elements from the coral. Most corals will release them when bothered, irratated by something. You will find them commonly between different coral types that placed to close to eachother and are fighting eachother. Corals can kill nearby corals with these.

 

[Glenner’sreef]

Nice Mille! As I zoom in on these “strings”, I can only guess one possibility. Sponges. Following:

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi Friends - I've had this Millepora for almost 30 days. It has been coloring up, some base growth, and otherwise looking good. Today, I notice this white stringy material at the base. It appears to be on the flesh as well as the frag plug. The coral does not appear to be bothered about this substance, and the substance flows in the current. I haven't seen anything like this in my tanks before so hoping someone has an idea. I have not attempted to blow this off or disturb the substance. Thanks in advance.

These are known as mesentrial filaments where there is a feeding response where coral is trying to digest excess nutrients,and use these filaments to obtain food in various forms , or even when nutrients are low and .. . . . even happy coral will display this known as mesentrial filaments

 

[Glenner’sreef]

I'm sure someone will post the name of them, can't remember at the moment but they are basically digestive elements from the coral. Most corals will release them when bothered, irratated by something. You will find them commonly between different coral types that placed to close to eachother and are fighting eachother. Corals can kill nearby corals with these.

Milleporas don’t have sweeper tentacles but can sting other nearby corals.

 

[SliceGolfer]

These are known as mesentrial filaments where there is a feeding response where coral is trying to digest excess nutrients,and use these filaments to obtain food in various forms , or even when nutrients are low and .. . . . even happy coral will display this known as mesentrial filaments

Thanks, @vetteguy53081 - Agreed on the mesentrial filaments. There are no signs of the filaments this morning and the coral looks great. I have seen mesentrial filaments with LPS coral but this is the first time witnessing them with SPS. Better to be safe and ask for a second opinion! Appreciate the assist!