Translucent clam-like thing

[jsaw]

Hey guys, I noticed this thing next to my micro lord last night. It wasn’t there a few days ago so I’m guessing it moved from somewhere else in my tank. It occasionally contracts a little bit. Any idea what it is?

Thanks!

 

[blaxsun]

Is it attached to the rocks or does it move around?

 

[madmarks]

Does it close or react when you cast a shadow over it?

 

[jsaw]

Is it attached to the rocks or does it move around?

Right now, it seems to be attached or isn't moving around

 

[jsaw]

Does it close or react when you cast a shadow over it?

It does not react to shadows

 

[shakacuz]

bivalve, maybe.

 

[DaJMasta]

Is it soft? Could be some kind of tunicates, otherwise especially if it contracts when touched, could be something like a jewel box clam.

 

[jsaw]

Is it soft? Could be some kind of tunicates, otherwise especially if it contracts when touched, could be something like a jewel box clam.

It's both soft and contracts when touched. I'm not too familiar with tunicates. Should I just leave it alone?

 

[DaJMasta]

Definitely sounds like tunicates to me, then - maybe around the "perimeter" that makes it look like a bivalve you can see a series of small translucent cup shapes - that would be a colonial tunicate for sure.

No problem to leave it in, they are filter feeders and they are not invasive nor sting anything. They come in a huge variety of sizes, configurations, and colors.