Sea Squirt

[SirRoadwolf]

So... this Sea Squirt was identified as a sea squirt here a few weeks ago, but I am wondering if anyone else has seen this exact species? It has been growing quickly.

The above picture is from a few weeks ago, when it was just starting to emerge from the hole in the rock. The nearby Feather Dusters haven't emerged yet at this point.

Today, the Feather Dusters fill the hole in the rock, and the Sea Squirt has grown up from the hole, towards the top of the rock.

Has anyone seen this exact creature before? Thoughts?

 

[ThunderGoose]

I don't know much about identifying them to species, but it's GORGEOUS.

 

[SirRoadwolf]

I don't know much about identifying them to species, but it's GORGEOUS.

It is interesting! I am worried that, since it is growing so quick, that it will be invasive. But it's cool factor outweighs that thought. The neat part is that, it never stays the same shape. It is constantly morphing in how it looks.

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

Colonial tunicate - pretty cool. I have had a few different types of single organism tunicates in mine.

I'm not an expert, but I would bet chances are it won't get to the point of being invasive. I say that because just like sponges and other filter feeders unless you supply your tank with regular phytoplankton it's going to be tough for it to live long term. My water has become much cleaner over the last year since first obtaining my Tampa Bay Saltwater rock and I've seen sponges, barnacles, tunicates, feather dusters, most all of the filter feeders, dwindle or disappear.

Enjoy it - see what it becomes.

 

[cristata.reef]

Agreed some sort of social/colonial tunicate. Likely in the genus Botrylloides genus (a strange color form of B. leachii would be my guess). Could be another genus though since they are very similar

 

[SirRoadwolf]

Wow... Looks like quite an interesting species. I guess I lucked out.

 

[shred5]

Wow... Looks like quite an interesting species. I guess I lucked out.

Yea especially if you keep the tunicate alive. They usually do not live long. They usually need regular feedings of different plankton's (mainly phyto) and bacteria and more than most reef aquariums can handle.

Where did the rock come from?

 

[chefjpaul]

So cool!

 

[SirRoadwolf]

I wonder if it needs Vanadium as well? I was reading a bit about them, apparently they store it in their skin? I wonder if that is what helps give it color? MAybe mine are clear because the water is pure?

 

[Dancingmad]

Freakin awesome looking. It looks like a mass of eyeballs.

 

[SirRoadwolf]

You can see how quickly it is growing from this current picture of it. The upper part has grown overtop of some live plant. To the left of the Feather Dusters on the rock, you can see some sort of baby versions, maybe? perhaps beginning to establish there. The white thing above the feather dusters is also what appears to be an egg sac.

 

[KJ]

Great;Snaphappy of colonial tunicate.

 

[Suesea]

You can see how quickly it is growing from this current picture of it. The upper part has grown overtop of some live plant. To the left of the Feather Dusters on the rock, you can see some sort of baby versions, maybe? perhaps beginning to establish there. The white thing above the feather dusters is also what appears to be an egg sac.

I just found out today that's what I may have also but they look very different unless mine are something totally different. I know this is an old thread.

 

[Sosuke]

You have sea squirts, the one above is a colonial tunicate. They're good filterers for your tank and add good biodiversity.

 

[Suesea]

You have sea squirts, the one above is a colonial tunicate. They're good filterers for your tank and add good biodiversity.

Just so I'm clear, the tunicate is good or my squirts, or both? Lol

 

[Sosuke]

Both good.

 

[king aiptasia]

op, ya got any updates?

 

[Suesea]

op, ya got any updates?

No just going by sea squirts. I noticed it has two valves like some pics I was looking at.