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| FAQs on Sponge Identification
5 Related Articles:
Sponges in Marine Aquariums
Related FAQs: Sponge ID 1, Sponge
ID 2, Sponge ID 3, Sponge ID 4,
Sponge ID 6, Sponge ID 7,
& Sponges 1, Sponges
2, Sponges 3, Sponge
Selection, Sponge Compatibility, Sponge
Systems, Sponge Feeding, Sponge
Disease, Sponge Reproduction,
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Are these
sponges? 7/1/07
Hi James,
<Hi Jon>
It’s been almost 7 months since my last letter. How are you my mentor?
Hope everything is well.
<Everything is fine here, Jon.>
As usual, I’ll start with the story where we both left off…J
My tank is a little over a year now (including the two month “cycling
period”) and is doing great. I have been seeing new things. New snails -
not bought, just popped up out of nowhere (hopefully not a pest). It is
like Christmas every month where Santa’s been giving me freebees here
and there.
<Is interesting, yes?>
Those that came to life that I was able to positively identify were some
button polyp and zoo’s. My cerith snails started laying eggs too.
<Ah, more freebees.>
Other creatures in my tank that I have identified so far.
Spirorbid worms – I got thousands. From the rocks, glass, pipes, sump
and refugium. Even my protein skimmer has them (a pain to remove them in
there).
Bonellid Echiuran Worm. Very hard to spot.
Spionid Worm.
Peanut Worm.
Stomatella Snail
Keyhole Limpets
Chitons
Collonista amakusaensis snail
Amphipods, Copepods, and Isopods
Scypha sponge
and lots of bristle worms that I control via weekly water changes,
refugium, and efficient protein skimming. As far as I could see, none is
longer than 2 inches though.
So my question starts here.
Can you help me ID these creatures in my tank? I am almost sure these
are sponges based on the pictures and researches I have done on your
website. But same as any newbie here, I have to ask. Please refer to
attached photos (P1000646 to P1000676).
<Jon, do resize these photos to a couple hundred KB and resend, takes
much too long to open them, especially with my modem.>
My "purchased" corals were still the same since the last time I wrote
you.
two Acropora (birds nest and green)
Two Frogspawn. Moreover, these frogspawn split into 4 stems already
<Great>
Yellow leather which has gone bigger.
xenia
And green mushrooms.
I didn't purchase nor add anymore corals because I am afraid it might
create some imbalances (a scared newbie) for the sponges to thrive in. I
realize that these inverts are quite difficult to maintain. I am a
little apprehensive of doing something stupid in my tank. I don't want
to loose these inverts (if they are indeed sponges) that has continue to
spread in my tank.
Upon your advice, I let go of my craving for a Copperband Butterfly
fish. I tried a Blue Hippo Tang instead. He grew from about 1.5" to 2.0”
in just about two months (1 month in quarantine tank and 1 month in
display tank). He is now about 3 inches long. Oh boy, if my fish only
knew that there will be a bigger tank for them.
And speaking of a new tank, I have already started laying out the plan
for my next reef tank. A 7’x3.5’x2' custom made tank which will go hand
in hand with the remodeling of my house. This will be by June 2009. I
feel I am now ready for a bigger tank thanks to heaven sent people like
you, God’s noblest gift to a newbie reef enthusiast like me J. This
tank, btw, is going to be SPS dominated with a few LPS and Softies.
<Sounds good.>
Another question.
I have taken some keen interest on a Blue Jaw Trigger and for Lyretail
and/or Bartlett ’s Anthias. I was thinking of 3 anthias. A male with 2
females. Come to think of it, these types of fish are so lucky they are
not part of the human race. If they were in the human world; one male
with two females is a recipe for frequent court hearings (LOL).
Do you think the anthias and the trigger fish will co-exist with the
current fishes (please refer to attached photos - P1000681 to P1000690)
I have for my 2009 bigger tank? And no, you might ask...LOL. These new
fishes are for my upgrade tank and not for my current tank. My skimmer
is already working overtime taking a cup full of waste everyday. And
before I forget, I also have a green mandarin that has gotten fat and
big (about 3 inches long) from eating pods in my tank. Like I have said
before in my previous letters, my tank is loaded with it. In fact I mean
to ask you if there is such a thing as “plague proportions” when it
comes to pods? I mean they are everywhere – sand, rocks, protein skimmer
collection cup, you name it.
<A great natural food source, no need to worry about plague
proportions.>
Lastly, and I know it is too early but it is better to plan when one
still has time. How do I correctly/properly transfer my live rock with
sponges (if they are indeed sponges) to my bigger tank?
<Once the new tank has cycled, just simply transfer. Do ensure
parameters are equal, such as pH, SG, etc. Do resize and resend the
photos, and I will try to ID them for you.>
Thanks James and again more power.
<You're welcome, James (Salty Dog)>
Until next time.
Jon Glorioso
Re: Are These Sponges? 7/3/07
James,
Resending photos.
Thank you so much James.
Jon
<Thank you for resending, and yes, these are sponges. Keeping in mind I'm no
expert at sponges and since there are over 5000 known species...well. The
descriptions that follow below are my educated guesses, Bob, please correct if
I'm incorrect in some of the ID's.
OK, photo 646, a Clathrina species, 648, Haliclona, 649, pic isn't clear enough,
657, again quite possibly a Haliclona species, 659, a Sycon species, 661,
Haliclona, 664, possible a Chondrilla species, 665, no guess, 669, Chondrila
species, and 676, not real clear and/or unknown to me.
As for the two Coral Banded Shrimp you mentioned, do make sure they are a mated
pair or more than likely fighting and death to one will occur. As for the
triggerfish...would not place one in a reef tank. Too destructive and doesn't
fit in with the rest of your crew and the shrimp would be a tasty snack. I was
hoping you would resend the entire message as I deleted the original in error,
but I believe I've answered your questions. If I missed one, my apologies and do
resend. Your tank looks well maintained and very healthy. James (Salty Dog)> |
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Poriferans? Yep. RMF |
White Sponge or Cocoon? - 6/2/07
Hi there WWM crew! <Hi there, Debbie!>
I had a quick question about this white thing that is growing rapidly in my
24g Nano (see attached picture). I think it is a sponge, <You're right!> but
it kind of looks like a cocoon of some sort. <It does, doesn't it?> If it is
a sponge, it is not a pretty, colorful one like I've read about online and
in your book! :-( <Awww, that's okay little sponge, I think you're pretty!>
Even so, should I just let it be, or will it continue it's meteoric growth
and take over my tank?
<No worries, I’d leave it and enjoy it. However, if it concerns you, you
could carefully scrape it off the glass (keeping it whole) and remove it
immediately from the tank. If you have something like a Python to suction it
out, that would be even better. Please see more information on sponges
starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sponges.htm >
Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks so much!! :-)
-Debbie
<You’re very welcome! –Lynn> |
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Green Star Polyps and
unidentified? 5/30/07
I have attached pictures of some Green Star Polyps I bought in
February. They are doing really well with the exception of one area
which has something growing that I can't identify. This area was covered
with the polyps when I bought it but they have gradually disintegrated
wherever they touch this unidentified thing.
<Are being out-competed for space, likely chemically by the apparent
sponge colony>
It is greenish gray and wraps around the tip of the rock. My research
leads me to suspect that it is some kind of sponge
<Agreed>
(possibly chicken liver sponge) but wanted an expert opinion of what it
is and what I should do about it, if anything. I have searched the
internet and your website but couldn't find a picture or description
that convinced me what it is for sure. Thank you for your help.
Kristen Lourenco
<Mmm, you could try removing it/this... via a siphon, while you're
scraping at it... to prevent further negative interaction... I would
avoid removing the rock/Polyp colony to the air if it were mine. Bob
Fenner> |
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Weird White Pod or sack on tank - looks like something that was
attached to Alien Or Syconoid sponges 5/18/07
<Greetings Earthlings!>
Well, we have been up and running almost 16 weeks now. I just posted
the pics at
http://www.mmrcsl.org/fish
<I see, a nice record to have.>
I'm having an identity crisis!!!
<Dissociative Identity Disorder, shades of Sybil or Dissociative Fugue,
shades of Agatha Christie?>
About 3 weeks ago I noticed the Gracilaria in my refugium was no longer
growing.
<OK.>
Is it possible that running a poly filter all the time is starving it?
<Mmm, I would be more concerned about other issues such as circulation,
is the algae tumbling, getting enough light? More here and many related
links in blue:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/redalgpropfaqs.htm >
Anyway, attached are 3 pics. I see quite a few of these growing in the
refugium on the inlet side probably 15 or so, but I don't even know what
to begin with for search criteria as to their identity, of course white
spot and white pod are really bad search criteria.
<Heeeheeeee! Vague.. wait, no more vague! Close to 2000 hit combined
on WWM alone! Looks like harmless Syconoid sponges to me.>
Enjoy the pics at the address above, if you have the time.
<Thank you for sharing!>
As always I appreciate your help!!
<A pleasure to assist!>
Oh and for some perspective, these guys range in size from tiny booger
<Niceee description!>
to real small pea.... actually 2/3 of a small pea!
<Are you sure 2/3 of a small pea, and not 3/5 or 9/16? Perhaps the size
of a lentil? Hee! Mich> |
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Re: Weird White Pod or Sack on Tank - Looks
Like Something That Was Attached to Alien Or Syconoid Sponges Identity
Crisis - Dying Gracilaria – 5/19/07
<Hello Earthling, now called Dan, Mich with you again.>
Hmmm, I think the problem is one in the same Mich. More in depth look
in the fuge. This pod seems to turn into a two antennae white slug.
<Mmm, nope! You have two different creatures here. Sea Slugs and
Syconoid sponges>
I’ve seen two crawling in the fuge...very small & they appeared white.
<These Sea Slugs look to be of the order Sacoglossa or Sap-Sucking slugs
which feed mainly on algae. Likely they are part of the genus
Elysia. More here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seaslugsopisthobranchs.htm >
This one in the pic was in the tank... not so white.
<Perhaps greenish?>
Also is a pic of what I would call a bunch of Pupa entwined in the
Gracilaria.
<Nope, still Syconoid sponges.>
Thanks with the help.
<Welcome!>
Man I am scratch'n for an answer...
<I won’t ask where...>
with out the Gracilaria, my nitrates are beginning to rise.
<Gracilaria can be a challenge to grow. If it’s growing sponges, it’s
not tumbling enough.>
I could put Chaeto in there but would that be fuel for these things as
well?
<No, but Chaeto or Caulerpa may be a better food source for the slugs
which can be difficult to keep in captivity. Mich>
DanH
Picture Too Large! 5/18/07
<Please return with a smaller picture attached. This one is overloading
out bandwidth. Thanks, WWM Crew>
Sorry
<No worries.> |
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Orange Sponge ID... Tree Sponge 03/23/07
Hi Crew,
<Hi Marti, Mich here.>
I searched WetWebMedia to ID this orange branching sponge that came with
some live rock that I recently purchased (see attached photo), but only
found a couple references to what I think might be a Ptilocaulis
species?
<Identification of most sponges is very difficult without the
microscopic examination of mineralized internal skeletal structures
called spicules. Generally this would be referred to as a tree
sponge. That's about as good as it gets.>
Right now I have it in my QT, where there is only a Fluval 304 canister
filter and 2 fluorescent lights (not HO), with one small powerhead and a
heater. Temp is 78, pH 8.3. Ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates
are all 0. Calcium around 480. I didn't want to put it in the main tank
for fear of it "crashing" my system if it dies.
<Wise. Have experienced, not fun.>
Also, it might be better off without the protein skimmer I have in the
main tank, if all I have read is correct about their need for more
nutrients in the water.
<Yes>
It came well packed, without any air in the bag. I unloaded it into the
QT underwater, and was careful not to expose it to any air. It now looks
like there are tiny pores opening up on the surface of it, which I think
must be a good sign.
<Yes, very!>
So I have two questions. 1.) Can I feed it with live phytoplankton to
keep it alive?
<Depends if that is it's food source, for many nutrition comes in the
form of bacterial aggregates. A deep sand bed may help here.>
2.) Does this look like a "healthy" specimen to you?
<Yes>
Do I have a chance at keeping it in my main tank
<I would advise against. Likely there is too much light in your main
system and trust me a dying sponge can do a lot of damage and take a lot
with it.>
(OK, that's three questions, but I thought I'd sneak it in anyway.)
<Hee! Nobody's counting... well except maybe you!>
Thanks so much for all your help.
<Welcome!>
I don't think I could ever be in this hobby without the safety net of
WWM!
<My feelings exactly!>
Best Regards,
<And to you, Mich>
Marti |
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Unknown Sponge 12/29/06
<Hello Sue>
Yesterday, I noticed this foamy white life form on the bottom of a piece
of live rock that has been in my tank for six months now. I had never
seen it before, but thought that it might be a form of sponge. Today,
while checking out my tank, I noticed that it had extended itself from
beneath its rock onto a neighboring one in a more lighted
area. Furthermore, it appeared to have a spiral shaped appendage
flapping from its side. In less than three minutes, during the time
that I went to get my camera, this life form had withdrawn to its shady
area. I was wondering if someone there could help me identify this life
form and could help me know if it is dangerous. I have not added
anything new in my tank (with the exception of two emerald green crabs)
for two months now. At that time, I added five pounds of live rock that
I had cured for a month. Is it possible that this life form came in on
that?
<Yes, very possible. The sponge in your photo appears to be a Clathrina
type sponge, commonly known as the Leather Latticework Sponge. They are
a filter feeder that take in dissolved organic matter and do not require
supplemental feeding. They do not like bright light, generally growing
on the undersides of live rock, and it is reef safe.>
Thanks in advance for your help.
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Sue in Houston |
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Aging Tap Water and creature ID
9/26/06
Hello all,
<And to you>
After filling my 30 Gallon Brute with Tap water should the lid be left
on, off or partially covered to allow the dissipation of the chemicals
the city uses to treat the water?
<Of small matter... if not much risk of stuff "getting in", I'd leave
askew>
There is a power head and heater in there and I have both fresh and salt
tanks so I do not add salt right away. I let it stand for 5-7 days
before using for fresh than add salt to the remaining for another 3-5
days.
<Good practice, protocol>
Also any idea on what this creature is? I am guessing it is a sponge of
some sort.
<Me too>
The clear "straw" coming out of it is definitely neat. There are several
and they are the size of an m&m.
Thanks,
John
<Yummy! Bob Fenner> |
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