What is this?

[Rp8]

So I got this soft velvety stuff growing on this one plug. I've dipped it more than once and it seems to be growing. What is it?

 

[andrewey]

Are you sure it's not a sponge? Are you able to take another picture where the focus is on the plug and not the frag rack if possible?

 

[Rp8]

Here ya go...

 

[andrewey]

Fantastic-Thanks for the second picture! My best guess at this point would still be a species of yellow sponge. It should feel kind of shishy/velvety and you could remove most of it with your fingernail if you desired. That being said, it's a fantastic filter feeder and if it's a sponge, I wouldn't remove it and would enjoy your thriving ecosystem!

 

[cloak]

Zoanthid? Not sure what I'm supposed to be looking at, but if it's not a sponge it might be the former.

 

[andrewey]

Zoanthid? Not sure what I'm supposed to be looking at, but if it's not a sponge it might be the former.

I'm assuming it's a frag of zoas and the lone zoas are just wrapping around the frag. I was focusing on the yellow/orange growth that's slightly smaller than the entire frag plug (underneath/above the zoas). @Rp8 , is that correct?

 

[Rp8]

I'm assuming it's a frag of zoas and the lone zoas are just wrapping around the frag. I was focusing on the yellow/orange growth that's slightly smaller than the entire frag plug (underneath/above the zoas). @Rp8 , is that correct?

Yes, the orange stuff

 

[Rp8]

Thanks everybody!

 

[cloak]

Dose it come off when you scrape with your nail? (orange) If not, if might just be a discoloration. A lot of things change color in saltwater.

 

[Rp8]

Dose it come off when you scrape with your nail? (orange) If not, if might just be a discoloration. A lot of things change color in saltwater.

Yea, it rubs off. It has just grown into the colony. Looks like its crowding them