Purple Spikey thing

Does anyone know what this is? I can't get it off and it's taking over the coral and will soon kill it.

 

A soft tooth brush will not remove it? Looks like a sponge, an unusual variety though.

Now see what you've done I am going to have to look around and find the ID because it will bug me until I do, curse you!!!!!!

 

My camera isn't good enough to get a close up but out of the purple spikes are tiny white "needles" although they don't hurt when you touch them. It feels like skin to the touch and grows at a medium rate.

 

It's a sponge I am pretty sure you can see the osculum (those little chimney like structures) and spicules (the spikes).

Could be Niphates ramosa.

 

It's in full light, and it's been out in the air and hasn't been affected. Why would it be so aggressive? What should I do to prevent it from spreading?

 

Not all sponges are prone to areas of tissue death when exposed to air. If your covered in spines your not as easy to remove or eat. Personally I would be very surprised if the unknown item were so invasive that it would be an issue. Yes it might overcome that coral (lps)? but I do not see it spreading throughout a tank.

I just started my search on the ID, but maybe someone else will know what it is and chime in.

Personally I think it much cooler than the coral but I am nerdy that way.

 

Into the ref

 

Well I could waste the rest of the day looking and I will probably go back to it, but if you want to look around have at it, beware though there are hundreds if not more types of sponges.

Coralpedia - Smenospongia conulosa

Identification and Husbandry of Aquarium Sponges by Ronald L. Shimek, Ph.D. - Reefkeeping.com

 

Some say more than 15000 types and good luck without a microscope.

 

For sure.

I did not expect an accurate ID just ball park and would be nice to know specific type Calcareous.....

I love stuff you do not see everyday though.