what is this pink growth?

[pjtech]

Not the zoos but the pink mat on the botton of the LR.

Any ideas?

 

Thanks

Patjs

[kennerd]

Most likely a sponge, given its location. If it is a hard, calcerous substance, it could be coralline algae or blue ridge coral.

 

Best bet is to take a flashlight and take a peek at it after it's been dark for a while. If it is a sponge, it may indicate so in one of two ways:

 

1. it will expand, and show pores like, well, a sponge! This variety of sponge relies on current passing completely through the sponge for nutrients.

2. There may be small siphons that stick out of spots on the sponge like little elephant trucks. Tis type of sponge uses current that passes over the top of the siphon to draw water through it. Think blowing across the top of a soda bottle to make it whistle.