Possibly a sponge I think?

perrytheplatypus · Jul 7, 2019

Hi y'all I got a weird whitish cylindrical substance growing on my live rock that I got from my LFS. The stuff started out small but has grown a bit. I believe it's possible a type of sponge and have been told that it means my tank is healthy if it's growing. Idk. I plan on eventually adding some coral to my tank and was just curious if this stuff is dangerous to coral or my fish. Should I not be worried or should I remove it and if so how do I get rid if it. Thanks in advance

ThunderGoose · Jul 7, 2019

Looks like a sponge to me. Some can overgrow corals. Unless that happens sponges are safe for reefs and fishes.

Craigdoc · Jul 7, 2019

If its growing in direct light then it could be a sponge you don't want, if its growing in the shade then the chances are it will stay there and never be a problem, interesting growth on it though and the part in the middle almost looks like tunicates

Neo Jeo · Jul 7, 2019

Sponge. I would keep it

perrytheplatypus · Jul 7, 2019

Craigdoc said:
If its growing in direct light then it could be a sponge you don't want, if its growing in the shade then the chances are it will stay there and never be a problem, interesting growth on it though and the part in the middle almost looks like tunicates

Ya its in a bit of a shady spot. I was just curious cause everywhere I look on line never showed them branching out like that lol. If i was to put a coral on that rock would the sponge hurt the coral?

Craigdoc · Jul 7, 2019

perrytheplatypus said:
Ya its in a bit of a shady spot. I was just curious cause everywhere I look on line never showed them branching out like that lol. If i was to put a coral on that rock would the sponge hurt the coral?

No not at all, I've got sponges living within zoa's without issues.

I do like they way it's growing though