What is this and should I be worried??

[Greg1025]

Hi guys, I'm new to the reefing community and just started my first reef tank. I have had this Blastos for a month and just saw this. Looks like a feather but tried to research it and didn't find anything that resembles it. Does anyone know what it is? It comes out of a white tube looking thing. Should I be worried?

 

[JGT]

No, black feather duster, harmless.

 

[Greg1025]

So where did the white hard tube looking thing come from? Was it there and I didn't notice it or does it grow?

 

[JGT]

Tube was there. They live in it and retract into it.

 

[Greg1025]

Interesting. Thanks for the help.

 

[Duncan62]

Tube was there. They live in it and retract into it.

It builds the tube. There's a worm in there. Filter feeder. Harmless.

 

[Borat]

Shut the door and run!!!

 

[Greg1025]

Do they grow only on corals with skeletons?

 

[Duncan62]

Do they grow only on corals with skeletons?

In the last couple years 2 out of 3 zoa frags had a tiny duster appear. I don't touch them. The black ones will iritate a few polyps but stays tiny. They're beneficial to your tank. Some will die and another will take its place if your tank is doing well. Enjoy.

 

[SlugSnorter]

Interesting. Thanks for the help.

feather dusters are cool, might spread too. Honestly cool looking, they build tubes and will help keep your water a bit clearer by eating particulate in the flow, although its minor. If you take a liking to them the larger ornamental ones are even cooler imo.