Leather coral cutting and spiney tissue question

[Saffier]

I got this guy for almost free and when I got him home and dipped him, I saw all these sharp little spines and I don't know what they are, if they are just fibrous tissue- or I always worry about some kind of pest. Also, I don't really like the way he looks and am wondering if I can cut him in half and rubberband it into two separate frags without that ugly middle part. Will this be alright? I haven't done many surgeries yet. Lol

 

[Crabs McJones]

Are they hard or soft? Look like a type of sponge

 

[Saffier]

Are they hard or soft? Look like a type of sponge

Sharp and stabby, even through gloves. It is not part of the coral tissue? I tried scrubbing them off but they are literally growing out of the body of the coral and i thought maybe its just the tissue.

 

[theKoolAidMan]

It's part of the structure of the coral itself. They're called sclerites. The coral was likely attached to something at that spot and either cut or ripped off.

 

[Saffier]

It's part of the structure of the coral itself. They're called sclerites. The coral was likely attached to something at that spot and either cut or ripped off.

Oh good. Thanks so much!

 

[KrisReef]

I was thinking spicules were the rod-shaped skeletal structures of soft corals?

I would cut it in two if I wanted and wedge the end into a crevice in the live rock and let it attach itself.

He'll be alright. The soft corals are very forgiving of this kind of injury. Always wash your hands and wear eye protection to be safe during surgery. be safe.

Oh, and these grow rapidly and get big, so leave him lots of room. Nice score!

 

[Saffier]

I was thinking spicules were the rod-shaped skeletal structures of soft corals?

I would cut it in two if I wanted and wedge the end into a crevice in the live rock and let it attach itself.

He'll be alright. The soft corals are very forgiving of this kind of injury. Always wash your hands and wear eye protection to be safe during surgery. be safe.

Oh, and these grow rapidly and get big, so leave him lots of room. Nice score!

Thank you Kris!