Leather coral hi-jacker ID sought

[Angus1989]

Hey,
Bought this leather coral today from my LFS, typical toadstool, and when I was acclimating I saw there was this weird thing 'breathing' at the base. There's also a Zoa on it which I was happy to have.

It opened and closed its orifice which is the X thing during acclimating and dip. Doesn't look like anything I've seen before.

Also bonus help: what is the pest thing found during the dip? Like a little star fish that was wriggling around until it died.

 

[i cant think]

Hey,
Bought this leather coral today from my LFS, typical toadstool, and when I was acclimating I saw there was this weird thing 'breathing' at the base. There's also a Zoa on it which I was happy to have.

It opened and closed its orifice which is the X thing during acclimating and dip. Doesn't look like anything I've seen before.

Also bonus help: what is the pest thing found during the dip? Like a little star fish that was wriggling around until it died.

The first one could be a Tunicate and the second one is a gorgeous microbrittle starfish - if you see these, take them out of the dip and throw them in your tank. They’re useful CUC members as they get into holes snails and shrimp can’t.

 

[Angus1989]

The first one could be a Tunicate and the second one is a gorgeous microbrittle starfish - if you see these, take them out of the dip and throw them in your tank. They’re useful CUC members as they get into holes snails and shrimp can’t.

Ahhh I was afraid it was going to be some helpful critter I mistook for a pest. Such a waste. Sorry little guy.

I've since seen that the possible Tunicate has a second hole so I would put good faith in your identification. I assume it isn't anything negative to have around.

Thank you for the speedy response and identification.