Froghead filterfeeder eyes - what is this?

Discussion in 'ID This!' started by gorillacrab, Dec 1, 2011.

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  1. gorillacrab

    gorillacrab Astrea Snail

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    So this guy came in on a piece of liverock from Japan. He contracts every 5-10 minutes, sucking water in through one eye hole and pumping it out the other. I've always wondered what he is... anyone have any ideas? He's a little bit bigger than a quarter.
     

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    gorillacrab, Dec 1, 2011
    gorillacrab, Dec 1, 2011
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Maybe a sponge?
     
    2in10, Dec 1, 2011
    2in10, Dec 1, 2011
    #2
  3. gorillacrab

    gorillacrab Astrea Snail

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    He's definitely fleshy and reacts to touching - will tense up, so I'm almost positive it's not a sponge. He only has those two holes.
     
    gorillacrab, Dec 1, 2011
    gorillacrab, Dec 1, 2011
    #3
  4. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    I wonder if it a tunicate.
     
    2in10, Dec 1, 2011
    2in10, Dec 1, 2011
    #4
  5. gorillacrab

    gorillacrab Astrea Snail

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    Googling tunicate diagram - that's definitely what it appears to be. Thanks!
     
    gorillacrab, Dec 2, 2011
    gorillacrab, Dec 2, 2011
    #5
  6. 3lilbrats

    3lilbrats Feather Duster

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    That's nice looking! It's save to keep in tank?
     
    3lilbrats, Dec 2, 2011
    3lilbrats, Dec 2, 2011
    #6

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  7. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Yes. Just like sponges, tunicates are harmless filter-feeders.
     
    Mr. Bill, Dec 2, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Dec 2, 2011
    #7