Sponge ID

[themcnertney]

Usually I'm not one to really care to much about specific ID but this had me a bit curious.

 

[Diesel]

Not sure but my friends at the [HASHTAG]#reefsquad[/HASHTAG] might have a answer for you.

 

[KJ]

http://www.oceanicresearch.org/education/wonders/sponges.html

 

[themcnertney]

I'll watch the video when I have a chance. I'm actually interested in the black sponge and the branch which may also be a sponge?

 

[themcnertney]

Bump

 

[Lionfish Lair]

The part with the polyp isn't a sponge. I believe that to be an encrusting Octocoral. The little white dots look like the budding they do.

I can't say anything more specific about the black sponge.

 

[themcnertney]

Thank you for your response @Lionfish Lair

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Would love to see pictures at it progresses!

 

[themcnertney]

Would love to see pictures at it progresses!

I can do that. Whats interesting is that it is in my overflow. They get very little light. I have had them growing for sometime now. Just thought I'd ask some experts what they might be, esp the "ocotocoral".

 

[Lionfish Lair]

It's probably one of the non-photosynthetic varieties. There's some that share the same requirements as a sponge, so they are found in the same area. Some even grow over and live symbiotically with them.

 

[themcnertney]

It's probably one of the non-photosynthetic varieties. There's some that share the same requirements as a sponge, so they are found in the same area. Some even grow over and live symbiotically with them.

Well haven't had much growth or any changes but I did have a couple more spring up in my other overflow, didn't realize it was there earlier. Here's a pic of one from the front and another from the back...pretty cool I think.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

That's a huge change!! So awesome!

 

[themcnertney]

That's a huge change!! So awesome!

Three different pieces to clarify.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

The polyps in the first picture is new!!

 

[themcnertney]

The polyps in the first picture is new!!

Yes. I haven't seen that yet till now. So cool.

 

[Lionfish Lair]

<_<

That's a dirty look from me. I have pineapple sponges and vermetids for hitchhikers.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Call us when you decide to frag

 

[themcnertney]

I sent this off to my friend Than Thein at Tidal Gardens to get his opinion on it. Will let you know what he says.

 

[themcnertney]

I believe that to be an encrusting Octocoral. The little white dots look like the budding they do.

Possibly helioporacea coerulea?

 

[Lionfish Lair]

There's one that's frequently found on an orange sponge too.