Help identifying Algae

[Arawk408]

Can anyone tell me what this stuff is? Found it on my Zoa rock today while doing some cleaning.

 

[WheatToast]

Could we get an underwater view?

 

[ggNoRe]

Looks like a sponge to me

 

[Arawk408]

Looks like a sponge to me

I'm a bit new to reefing can you be more clear for me please

 

[Arawk408]

Could we get an underwater view?

I'll snag a pic today.. but it basically looks the same seems squishy off white/clear form of algae

 

[WheatToast]

I'm a bit new to reefing can you be more clear for me please

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sponge
Sea sponges are amongst the most simplistic of all animals. They tend not to do very well in most aquariums since they are filter feeders (consuming bacteria and phytoplankton floating in the water column), so they slowly wither away (however, some are not as reliant on these foods as they are photosynthetic and are subsequently easier to care for) I managed to have success with pineapple sponges though, probably since I rarely ran a protein skimmer which would otherwise remove those food sources. They also should not be exposed to air (some can tolerate it more than others) as bubbles will become trapped within their cavities. Most enter aquariums on live rock, sticking around in low light areas, though several popular species may be purchased on their own. In the aquarium, they are sometimes looked down upon since they compete with coral for space, even going as far as releasing toxins to eliminate coral for space. However, this is rarely an issue. Additionally, they may benefit an aquarium by competing with diatoms (often seen as unsightly brown algae) for silicates in the water (this is what sponges build their skeletons with). Very few organisms eat them (it’s basically like eating fiberglass) with some exceptions being sea turtles, Moorish idols, marine angelfish, and some starfish.

Oh, and sea sponges inspired one of the most popular cartoon characters of all time
https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Encyclopedia_SpongeBobia

 

[Arawk408]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sponge
Sea sponges are amongst the most simplistic of all animals. They tend not to do very well in most aquariums since they are filter feeders (consuming bacteria and phytoplankton floating in the water column), so they slowly wither away (however, some are not as reliant on these foods as they are photosynthetic and are subsequently easier to care for) I managed to have success with pineapple sponges though, probably since I rarely ran a protein skimmer which would otherwise remove those food sources. They also should not be exposed to air (some can tolerate it more than others) as bubbles will become trapped within their cavities. Most enter aquariums on live rock, sticking around in low light areas, though several popular species may be purchased on their own. In the aquarium, they are sometimes looked down upon since they compete with coral for space, even going as far as releasing toxins to eliminate coral for space. However, this is rarely an issue. Additionally, they may benefit an aquarium by competing with diatoms (often seen as unsightly brown algae) for silicates in the water (this is what sponges build their skeletons with). Very few organisms eat them (it’s basically like eating fiberglass) with some exceptions being sea turtles, Moorish idols, marine angelfish, and some starfish.

Oh, and sea sponges inspired one of the most popular cartoon characters of all time
https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Encyclopedia_SpongeBobia

Whoa this is some good info. So are these things bad? They are clear before they get color?? I just noticed it growing it tripped me out b/c I didn't know what it was.. it look crazy lol
Should I leave this in my tank? or take it out?


I have a HUGE diatoms problem right now so maybe this is a good thing to just let do its thing?

 

[WheatToast]

Glad I could help! Personally, I would hold on to it (I've never heard of them becoming too much of an issue and they never gave me any problems). I have also never heard of sponges changing color over time. Are you still able to photograph the sponge underwater with white light (ex. with a flashlight)?