Help identify this "anemone"?

[andyg1960]

Hi all:

This anemone? shown in the attached photo came on some live rock I bought at the LFS back in December. I dont think its anything bad as it hasn't significantly spread and is not causing problems I'm aware of. Just looks like the stuff that's there is a bit bigger and healthier. Just curious what it is, and if its fine to leave for the long term. Thanks

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Hi its a Paly not an anemone. unless you talking about the little one on the left. I think thats an aptasia. Kill it with fire. they spread and sting fish and corals.

 

[andyg1960]

Yeah, I'm actually asking about the big "clump". The little on eon the left-- I've been watching that one, and as far as I can tell its just the one, not spreading or multiplying. Paly is short for what?

 

[sirmixa]

I think it is polyps, like a coral. I'm new so I may wrong. I agree with salty, it looks like aptasia to me too, it's not a good thing if it is, you need to eliminate it

 

[DeniseAndy]

Those are protopalythoas. We tend to call this palys. They are corals, but those specifically are real pain in the butts. They are sometimes called button polyps.

Take the rock out and kill those guys and the aiptasia. Those guys are not pretty, grow everywhere and take the space from other nice corals. Trust me. Once established, they are virtually impossible to kill. I have tried lots of stuff. I just go plucking every so often. Watch out as these also have the palytoxin!!!!

So, when you take the rock out, use gloves, glasses and soak in bleach water for a day or so. Leave to dry for weeks. then you can try putting back in.

 

[human]

Paly is short for protopalythoa corals. As for the white thing on the rock near the damsel, it looks more like a feather duster or possibly a hydroid, but lower on the rock I'm not too sure.