davinaster Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 I have three colonies of very, very tiny polyps growing on one of my pieces of LR (I'm not sure where it's from ) They are way too small for me to get a picture, so I'm going to do my best to describe them: the area of the rock that they grow out of is lavender the polyps are closely spaced they are 1-2mm wide they have brown tentacles they have a center that is a very pale blue with just a tinge of green when disturbed, they retract all the way into the rock I keep "thinking massive Aiptasia infestation"? But these are definite colonies, in specific places on the rock, and I am absolutely certain that they retract into the rock (which they only do once I have convinced myself to a certainty that they are Aiptasia) So, can anyone tell me what I've got, if they're dangerous, and (if not) whether they're going to live and how to care for them? Thanks! Link to comment
snehls Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 how close are the "colonies"? Because, it does sound like aiptasia, which is obviously bad (but not horrible). Link to comment
Kogut Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 It sounds like aptasia to me, dude... Possibly hydroids, also... If it is a coral colony and you're not done cycling, then you have a very good chance of losing it. We really can't make a good ID w/out pictures, bro... Link to comment
davinaster Posted January 10, 2005 Author Share Posted January 10, 2005 There are three colonies, all on the same rock. Two of them are maybe 1 1/2" apart. The third is about 4-5" further down the rock. The polyps themselves are spaced no more than 1 mm apart, with their tentacles touching. I just did some more research and saw that Aiptasia can live in colonies, but these guys really do contract entirely into the rock. I swear! I know, no help w/o pics. Darn, I wish I could take close ups... Link to comment
snehls Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 Aiptasia can retract into the rock, so that doesn't rule it out. Just get yourself a Peppermint Shrimp or two and your problem will be solved. Link to comment
davinaster Posted January 10, 2005 Author Share Posted January 10, 2005 I haven't had so much luck with peppermint shrimp : http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/showthread...ppermint+shrimp Besides, before he croaked, this guy was hyper, literally bouncing off the walls - totally ruined the zen of my tank. I'm probably going to regret it, but for now I'm going to wait and see what develops... Link to comment
davinaster Posted January 10, 2005 Author Share Posted January 10, 2005 There's a colony of about 9 polyps in top left and another one with 3 at the bottom right. I have a feeling I'm going to get hit with a lot of "yup, definitely Aiptasia responses" But I'm finding them fascinating :nerd: Link to comment
tenoverthenose Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 just kiding. That picture is really too out of focus to make a positive ID. Do you think you can get a better picture? Try putting the camera on a tripod, if you don't have one use a chair or a pile of boxes, something to steady the camera while shooting. Tom Link to comment
AReeferIsExpensive Posted January 10, 2005 Share Posted January 10, 2005 can you get a clearer picture? maybe take the rock out of the tank to snap a shot really quick? Link to comment
TJ_Burton Posted January 11, 2005 Share Posted January 11, 2005 A certain species of Galaxia coral... or Crystal coral that is commonly found on live rock. Link to comment
davinaster Posted January 11, 2005 Author Share Posted January 11, 2005 Well, I let my 4 year old take this one, so that it could be as fuzzy as possible Seriously, though, it was the best I could do - these things are tiny I figured I post it and hope for the best... Link to comment
davinaster Posted January 11, 2005 Author Share Posted January 11, 2005 Originally posted by TJ_Burton A certain species of Galaxia coral Hey! I found one picture of a Galaxia that looked a little like them - thanks! I'll definitely grow them out and see what happens... Link to comment
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