Red Growths on New Hammer Frag

[ReefToad]

So I bought this gold hammer frag from That Fish Place in Lancaster PA today. Upon inspection during a dip, I noticed these hard, red growths on the skeleton of the coral. They're hard, yet brittle enough to scrape off with my nail. I left some on incase they may be harmless or beneficial, but they can be easily removed if not. Anyone able to ID this for me? Thanks in advance

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

So I bought this gold hammer frag from That Fish Place in Lancaster PA today. Upon inspection during a dip, I noticed these hard, red growths on the skeleton of the coral. They're hard, yet brittle enough to scrape off with my nail. I left some on incase they may be harmless or beneficial, but they can be easily removed if not. Anyone able to ID this for me? Thanks in advance

Can't say what it is for sure without pics, but (based on past experience) I'd guess a benthic foraminiferan like Miniacina miniacea or a branching variety of Homotrema rubrum. Harmless filter feeders if so.

 

[ReefToad]

Can't say what it is for sure without pics, but (based on past experience) I'd guess a benthic foraminiferan like Miniacina miniacea or a branching variety of Homotrema rubrum. Harmless filter feeders if so.

 

[ReefToad]

Sorry, I edited and added a photo. I figured some sort of foraminifera from other posts, but wasn't positive since it's so small. Is there any chance of it smothering the coral?

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Sorry, I edited and added a photo. I figured some sort of foraminifera from other posts, but wasn't positive since it's so small. Is there any chance of it smothering the coral?

No - they're totally harmless.

 

[ReefToad]

No - they're totally harmless.

Thank you!