Fuzzy ball covering up a Feather Duster, what is it?

[Formidableone14]

Searched high and low and seems the only thing I can find is a Q-tip/Pineapple Sponge. Any ideas? Thank you.

I also tried to move it a little to see if it would let loose, seems to have a good grip on it.

 

[ndrwater]

Definitely got me on this one.. let's see if more eyes can help. #reefsquad

 

[reef lover]

Does it retract to that tube?

 

[Formidableone14]

Does it retract to that tube?

No it does not, the feather duster is pretty large and it will not come out at this point. The feather duster itself is about the size of a nickel. I also want to note that this wasnt there last night and popped up this morning.

 

[ndrwater]

My gut reaction is some type of eggs. Especially so since it popped up overnight

 

[BranchingHammer]

I have a feather duster who does this around once a month. I think it is some sort of egg mass made by the worm itself. They stay there for a few days and then they’re gone (I assume they float away in the current).

 

[Formidableone14]

My gut reaction is some type of eggs. Especially so since it popped up overnight

I currently have only, 4 Astraea snails and 4 Hermits as well as Toxic Hammer, Green Hammer and 2 very small colonies of Zoa's. I had a Brooklynella outbreak and lost everything.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Looks like eggs to me also but - What type?
Damsels lay eggs in this type of cluster and generally on glass. Do you have damsels?

 

[Formidableone14]

I have a feather duster who does this around once a month. I think it is some sort of egg mass. They stay there for a few days and then they’re gone (I assume they float away in the current).

So this is probably form the Feather Duster itself then? There are approx 10-15 on this portion of LR. All within a few inches of each other.

 

[Formidableone14]

Looks like eggs to me also but - What type?
Damsels lay eggs in this type of cluster and generally on glass. Do you have damsels?

I currently have only, 4 Astraea snails and 4 Hermits as well as Toxic Hammer, Green Hammer and 2 very small colonies of Zoa's. I had a Brooklynella outbreak and lost everything.

 

[BranchingHammer]

I think the eggs are made by the worm itself because the same thing happens in my coral-only frag tank, which has no fish or snails...

 

[vetteguy53081]

I think the eggs are made by the worm itself because the same thing happens in my coral-only frag tank, which has no fish or snails...

I agree

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

I think you have a female feather duster worm and she has released some eggs

 

[Formidableone14]

I think you have a female feather duster worm and she has released some eggs

Do these guys not broadcast breed or is it possible it attempted to do so and got stuck?

 

[Formidableone14]

Ty all for the help!

 

[Formidableone14]

I just found this in my hours of searching lol.

"I did some research and found that tube worms will (according to species) create "sacs" containing zygotes that will in turn become flagellated gametes, then release from the sac, and eventually settle down somewhere in the tank to become a new tubeworm. "

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

Do these guys not broadcast breed or is it possible it attempted to do so and got stuck?

That's what I believe happened.

 

[reef lover]

Awesome info!