Have several things growing on torch base

[Hoostin]

Hey all! First post on Reef2Reef so let me know if I need to post elsewhere. Thanks in advance!

I need help identifying a few different things growing on the base of a splotting 4 head torch coral. I think at least one is an encrusting sponge but not certain. The white slimy looking stuff, the yellow brown stuff, and the blue/black stuff lol. The torch essentially sits at sandbed level in a large "v" of rock. Two of the heads facing towards the point of the rock v appear irritated and the polyps are retracted a bit, which after a week or so prompted me to turn the torch around and see these things on it. Are these sponges and do I need to remove them?

 

[shakacuz]

i believe they are sponges. not sure if bad, or not.

 

[Labridaedicted]

Various types of sponges. The one that's not entrusting is a pineapple sponge. The blue is an encrusting sponge. Neither are particularly harmful in most circumstances. More concerned that they're growing that high up on the torch skeleton. Kinda makes me think the torch has had some tissue recession but the fact that sponges have colonized it means that happened a while ago, so it's been thriving since.

 

[Hoostin]

Thanks everyone! Got to get my hands in the tank this evening so going to try to remove the sponge near the head and move it further out from the rock and see if that helps

 

[JaimeAdams]

They are sponges as had been mentioned. The torch was more than likely a recent import either wild or mericultured. I personally would scrub them off with a tooth brush.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Pineapple sponge, lace sponge, poriferan sponge and ciliate sponge. None are beneficial filter feeders and can be removed.