Zoanthid Pest ??

[lmhiers]

I’ve looked everywhere to find something similar to what’s going on with my zoanthids , I noticed this about a few days ago, looks like gold tentacles or polyps, when removed from the water they will retract and look like closed polyps, and when they are extended they will sway with the water flow.

 

[IKD]

Hard to see with blue lights, but kinda looks like a galaxea or hydroids. Regardless it is likely irritating or stinging your zoanthids. I would remove if the zoa’s are your priority.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

Hard to see with blue lights, but kinda looks like a galaxea or hydroids. Regardless it is likely irritating or stinging your zoanthids. I would remove if the zoa’s are your priority.

Its some sort of coral, though that skeleton is definitely not galaxea. It's a stretch but maybe hydnophora?

 

[Cell]

Need white light pics.

 

[jkcoral]

White light would help, but looks like hydroids if it isn’t another type of coral.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

Almost looks like a digitata.

 

[lmhiers]

I contacted the seller I bought this from and he said “I’m pretty sure I know what this is. About 4-6 months ago I had Pocillopora (a type of SPS) naturally spawn in my system. It lands randomly around the tank and starts slowly growing. Honestly I did not notice it on this frag prior to shipping. I can send you a new frag of this with your next order just remind me. It’s harmless and won’t cause any issues. My apologies though!” I’m going to just frag the remaining zoa’s and hope it will recover, thanks for everyone’s help. Maybe this can help others in the future

 

[Cell]

Lol it's "harmless" but can spawn and spread throughout your system and take over.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

I contacted the seller I bought this from and he said “I’m pretty sure I know what this is. About 4-6 months ago I had Pocillopora (a type of SPS) naturally spawn in my system. It lands randomly around the tank and starts slowly growing. Honestly I did not notice it on this frag prior to shipping. I can send you a new frag of this with your next order just remind me. It’s harmless and won’t cause any issues. My apologies though!” I’m going to just frag the remaining zoa’s and hope it will recover, thanks for everyone’s help. Maybe this can help others in the future

I'd keep it! A free SPS AND a replacement zoa? That's a great deal! Though careful with fragging. Palytoxin is no joke. Make sure to toss in some carbon after fragging.