Sponge identification

[NABell2008]

Does anyone know what this is that I pulled out of tank tonight? It seemed to stress out some coral and anemone.

 

[P-Dub]

Looks like a sponge. But, without a closer shot it is difficult to tell. Most sponges, particularly the brighter colored ones, release toxins which, based on the volume of sponges in that container, if that's what they are, might very well be causing issues with your corals. When in doubt take it out. A caveat, do it outside of the display whenever possible as fiddling with the sponges may aggravate the release more of of toxins if any.

I don't have issues with my sponges but they seem to be naturally kept in check somehow. So, for me, a small amount of sponge growth has had no apparent ill effect on my reef.