Euphyllia hitchhiker ID

[DangerDave]

Any idea on what this is? It looks like a feather duster with a helmet on. When it retracts the “helmet” blocks the hole it came out of. There is a raised area on the skeleton of the hammer that is retracts into.

Dave

 

[TheAquarian]

It looks like a coral barnical to me.

 

[DangerDave]

It looks like a coral barnical to me.

Looked them up, that’s looks like it, thank you.

Dave

 

[samnaz]

I’m guessing barnacle as well. One hitchhiked on my E. ancora and I have noticed no issues because of it.

 

[samnaz]

On second thought the photo looks strikingly similar to a vermetid snail. Does it send out a mucus net during feeding time or if the sand is disturbed?

 

[DangerDave]

On second thought the photo looks strikingly similar to a vermetid snail. Does it send out a mucus net during feeding time or if the sand is disturbed?

No, it looks like a very small feather duster, with a helmet. I think it’s a coral barnacle like you first thought.

 

[samnaz]

When it's out does it extend fully for a few seconds, then close up and retract fully for a few seconds (sort of like an open hand closing into a fist)? If so, it's definitely a coral barnacle.

 

[DangerDave]

It seems to stay out, and it went it when I shined a light on it. I can only see it at night when the hammer is fully retracted (which isn't for long, it spends most of it's time at night partially out).

Dave

 

[Oldsalt01]

Try a red lens light at night. Most marine creatures cannot see red wavelengths (it's the first visible color absorbed by water) and so won't retract when it's shone on them.

 

[DangerDave]

Try a red lens light at night. Most marine creatures cannot see red wavelengths (it's the first visible color absorbed by water) and so won't retract when it's shone on them.

Will do, thanks for the tip.

 

[DangerDave]

I stumbled on this old post today. What ever it was has been outgrown by the coral. When the pic was taken, it was one head splitting into two. Now it's 4 heads splitting into 9. It's gone now, or at least I can't find the hitchhiker anywhere.