I think it may be xenia, please offer thoughts

[Bryan68]

Good morning, I found this on a trumpet frag I bought. It looks like xenia to my newbie eye. What do you all think? If it is xenia, how do i get rid of it? I don't want it taking over.

 

[Maggie321]

Looks like a clove polyp possibly. Do they retract into a tube like structure when touched (clove polyp)? Or do they just ball up (xenia)? Are there 1 per stalk(clove polyp)? or multiple on a fat trunk (xenia)?

 

[Reeferdood]

Clove polyps...

 

[Bryan68]

Thank you both for the response. So of course this leads to an addition question. Are clove polyps invasive? Should i attempt to eradicate?

 

[Maggie321]

Thank you both for the response. So of course this leads to an addition question. Are clove polyps invasive? Should i attempt to eradicate?

They can be. Watch them closely or put them on an island. I had some but my tuxedo urchins ate them. They can be very pretty.

 

[Bryan68]

Ok, i will do that. And i suppose since they came as hitchhikers with the trumpet, there should be no issues with warfare?

 

[mostlysticks]

Are they blue? Blue clove polyps are a nightmare.

 

[Bryan68]

No, pure white.

 

[mostlysticks]

Then they're probably regular clove polyps. Can be trouble if you let them overgrow but nothing like the blues.

 

[Bryan68]

Ok, thanks everyone!!!!

 

[Michael Naegeli]

Those are Evil blue clove polyps. I would irradicate immediately. Make sure u get all signs of them out of the tank. I lost a whole tank of Zoa’s due to them overrunning every inch of space, they grow rt on top of colonies and irritate them til melt down. Those r My nemeses.

 

[Bryan68]

Ouch!! Now I'm in a panic!

 

[Maggie321]

Ouch!! Now I'm in a panic!

Put them on an island. That way you have more control of them. You will know if they will be a problem after a few months.

 

[mostlysticks]

Put them on an island. That way you have more control of them. You will know if they will be a problem after a few months.

If they are the blues, that won't work. They will spread sexually all over the tank.

 

[Bryan68]

They honestly look white to me in person. But I have never seen the blue in person to know any better.

 

[Maggie321]

If they are the blues, that won't work. They will spread sexually all over the tank.

No, pure white.

So are the white ones the blue ones? Cause he says they are pure white.

 

[mostlysticks]

They could be bleached if they're under something. I honestly can't tell which they are from the pic. If they aren't the blues your advice is perfect.

 

[Maggie321]

Can you post a picture of the invasive blue ones, so he can have a reference? All I have in my tank right now is the green star polyps, a straight variety and a variety that has curly arms.

 

[Bryan68]

Yes a comparison picture would be great. I can also try to get better pictures.

 

[mostlysticks]

I don't have my own pic, but here's one from the web.

https://www.aquaticlog.com/aquariums/reefmann/2/species/49655