Strange Growths
Thanks for your reply. I'm still having a little trouble identifying this species. I looked at the tunicates using the links provided, but it doesn't seem to fit. A better way to describe these might be almost looking like maggots. They are solitary but are growing all over my filter bodies and media. They're pretty gross looking since they are the same color and shape as maggots. I'd like to get rid of them but they seem to be coming back once removed. Thanks for any further help you can give. Tim
<I would try to id them by answering the questions on Dr. Shimek's page, http://www.rshimek.com/animal_identifications1.htm. Once they are probably identified, I can help you figure out why they are so prolific. -Steven Pro>

Re: strange growths
No luck with that. The question section on that page pertains to creatures found in sand beds. I followed some of the other links for identifying and wasn't able to find anything. I looked at them more closely and notice they have a filamentous top around the opening and are spongy in appearance (rough, porous) and even feel sponge-like (soft and squishy).
<With this additional clue, I have a good idea of what you have, having seen it before myself. I believe it to be a tunicate, but I cannot find a picture of the one I am thinking of.>
Sorry to keep bothering you and I appreciate your help. Do you have any other suggestions/ideas?
<Sorry. I did flip through several of my books, but did not find what I was looking for. Anyway, they are not dangerous, more likely beneficial in removing dissolved organics.>
Thanks again, Tim
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Sea Squirt Info. Search
Hello all and how is everyone? I have acquired a sea squirt and after trying to find on your web site could not find the particular one that I have. It's common name is Herdman's Sea Squirt it's scientific name is Herdmania momus. If you could direct me in the right direction or give me any information you may have on this animal I would greatly appreciate it.
thanks for all your help you guys are great
Dela
<Mmmm, I suggest you place the scientific name in as many of the internet search engines that you can stand... this is what we'd have to do. I have never had a brush with this non-indigenous (though extant) species in the U.S. Bob Fenner>

Ascidians in the Great White North 7/19/03
Been trying to find some reference to these, but have not been able to find one.
<Hmm... do look into our new Reef Invertebrate Book if you like. Beautiful coverage of the ascidians if I may say so:
https://secure.wetwebmedia.com/order_form.jsp
http://wetwebfotos.com/store/nma-ri.html >
They kinda look like tunicates to me, but I'm not sure.
<quite correct my friend!>
They are on the back of a powerhead.  I noticed them a couple of days ago and thought they were eggs, but closer inspection revealed "tails" or "tentacles" coming from them.  
They do appear to have 2 holes, like siphons.
<indeed... sea squirts. and a handsome colony at that. If you have higher res pics of this colony and would be inclined to give permission to use them with credit to you name, I'd love to stick them in a lecture or presentation for example. Do send to readingtrees@yahoo.com if you can/are willing>
Help. Thanks, Noel
<with kind regards, Anthony>

Re: Strange Unidentified hitchhiker
Unfortunately, I don't have a digital camera and can't get a better shot.  Oh well, I'll do so research on Tunicates and try to figure it out.<good luck, IanB>
Thanks anyways.
Tom

Re: strange creature
I think it IS a Tunicate.  A Flat Tunicate, I think is the type this is.  It is also light sensitive. I shined a flashlight onto it directly and it closed it's mouth.  It has a really wide maw.  It looks like a flat mollusk with a clam type mouth. No shell at all.
<Weird things do tend to show up from time to time on LR, IanB>
Tom