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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, | .JPG)
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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)> |  
Poriferans? Yep. RMF
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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.> |  .jpg)
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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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