Tunicate?

[R1sky_Biz]

Just wanted to see what this was.. Orange is a tunicate (I think) and then there is the white thing.. No clue what that is. Anyone?

 

 

[Polarcollision]

White is a pineapple sponge (really good for your tank). If you decide you don't want the tunicate (I agree on your ID), PM me. I'd love to keep it!

 

Edit - you might like to read up on keeping them if your tank is new. They're filter feeders that like plankton. Really fascinating animals

[ndrobey]

Tunicates and sponges are really good at keeping the water clear. Both the orange tunicate and the white pineapple sponge should be kept and cared for.

[R1sky_Biz]

I definitely dot want to get rid of them. I just like to know whats in my tank. I might try to make a little video of the tunicate. I looked closely at it for a few minutes last night and it's really interesting to watch it work.

 

I would really like to get a better idea of what kind of tunicate it is though..

[amphipod]

Tunicate identification by species can be exceptionally difficult, mostly since they aren't studied enough

[R1sky_Biz]

Thanks for all the replies. These pineapple sponges keep popping up all over the tank so I guess that's a good thing. Anyone know if it's possible to "frag" the tunicate?

[amphipod]

Thanks for all the replies. These pineapple sponges keep popping up all over the tank so I guess that's a good thing. Anyone know if it's possible to "frag" the tunicate?

not really without killing it, they are having quite low regenerative capabilities compared to corals and they also have the issue of growing buds fused so even if you could get a separate one infection is quite likely. Some will try to spawn in aquariums, but if they self fertilize they have seriously weakened offspring for the amount of offspring surviving to attachment. If you have several non clonal individual you could have a chance of successful spawning.

[R1sky_Biz]

not really without killing it, they are having quite low regenerative capabilities compared to corals and they also have the issue of growing buds fused so even if you could get a separate one infection is quite likely. Some will try to spawn in aquariums, but if they self fertilize they have seriously weakened offspring for the amount of offspring surviving to attachment. If you have several non clonal individual you could have a chance of successful spawning.

 

Thanks for the info!

[Jellyingabout]

Of all the things in your tank other than your fish, that's actually your closest relative and probably one of the most derived believe it or not.

They are deuterostomal chordates with closed circulatory systems, a functioning heart and a distinct reproductive system separated from the mesoderm, i highly doubt fragging would work but if it did I'd be paying you silly money for a piece its gorgeous!!