Fanworms or Colonial Hydroids or something else???

[Somers]

Hi all,

I started up my first reef tank 5 months ago and have recently started adding my first corals. One of my new additions is a rainbow montipora.

At first, I noticed one or two tiny things protruding from the polyps and thought they might be fan worms. But recently they have developed a bit and might be something else. Would someone be able to ID from the pics and advise on the best course of action?

THANK YOU!

 

[Ron Reefman]

#reefsquad

They look more like hydroids to me. But I have very little experience with them.

 

[JGT]

Looks like hydroids. Fan or feather dusters would look more like, elk, feathers, instead of arms.

 

[Somers]

Looks like hydroids. Fan or feather dusters would look more like, elk, feathers, instead of arms.

Thank you! Is this something that I need to take action on or will it resolve itself? If yes, what would you recommend? It has only appeared on my rainbow montipora and the coral can easily be moved if a dip/manual removal is needed.

 

[JGT]

They will not harm anything but can become a nuisance. I would remove as you go about your normal maintenance by scraping them off. Over time, they usually reduce in numbers.

 

[Somers]

They will not harm anything but can become a nuisance. I would remove as you go about your normal maintenance by scraping them off. Over time, they usually reduce in numbers.

Phew! I'll do just that. I appreciate the help, so happy this is something manageable

 

[ScottR]

Looks like digitate hydroids

 

[vetteguy53081]

Agree on dihitate hydroids and they can sting nearby coral
Best way to eradicate is to starve them by disallowing any food to reach them by directing water flow towards them, not at them to prevent food from reaching them