ID this invader?

When checking the sump today I noticed dozens of these tiny, tubular things stuck to the walls of the sump, to the pumps, and some were floating in the water. Sorry for the poor photo but they are small, like 1/4 - 1/3 of an inch. They are shaped like tubes with a small bristle head (or mouth of an anemone which I fear they are.)

The weren't there (at least not that I noticed) just a few days ago but suddenly there are MANY.

I recently received a large brain coral as a gift and wonder if they hitchhiked into the system.

I had a few aiptasia a year ago and have some peppermint shrimp in the display tank which seem to have kept that situation managed.

These seem much smaller than the aiptasia I saw at that time but I fear they may be babies.

Does anyone know what these are? I am not sure how to get rid of them?

Thank you for any guidance you may offer.

 

I'd guess Q tip/pineapple sponges..if so ,they are harmless filter feeders
https://www.google.com/search?q=q tip sponges&client=firefox-a&hs=8go&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&channel=sb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ug-yU7_fE8-NqgbJj4HgBA&ved=0CE0QsAQ&biw=1366&bih=610

 

^ Yes.

No need to get rid of them. Populations tend to die off the older the tank gets. A cryptic animal that like darker high flow areas.

 

I noticed that if I was over feeding I had an abundance of these sponges. Once I cut back on feedings they started to dissappear. Just a thought...

 

That's a good thought (about overfeeding). Thank you guys so much for the reply.
It's a situation where I maintain the tank but don't have exclusive control. Feeding rituals are an ongoing point of debate.
Truly appreciate the help.

 

Oh, and they definitely look like the Q tip sponges!

 

Like everyone says, its SpongeBobs house. Let it be and it will die off as the tank matures more.