What is this (coral ID)

Discussion in 'ID This!' started by Zzippper, Aug 10, 2008.

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  1. Zzippper

    Zzippper Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
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    82
    Location:
    Ottawa, Ontario Canada
    Anyone know what this is?
    It came attached to some live rock I bought a few months ago.
    Some sort of encrusting coral I think.
    I'm not sure what it is - but it seems happy enough.

    [​IMG]

    Z
     
    Zzippper, Aug 10, 2008
    Zzippper, Aug 10, 2008
    #1

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  2. 1st time

    1st time Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2008
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    Location:
    I live on the Nature coast of Fl
    I don't know what it is, but it's neat!
     
    1st time, Aug 10, 2008
    1st time, Aug 10, 2008
    #2
  3. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Miami, FL
    I want to say its a encrusting Gorgonian. Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Aug 10, 2008
    lunatik_69, Aug 10, 2008
    #3
  4. R34dawn

    R34dawn Ocellaris Clown

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    Location:
    Garden Creek,VA
    also known as waving hand
     
    R34dawn, Aug 10, 2008
    R34dawn, Aug 10, 2008
    #4
  5. Zzippper

    Zzippper Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
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    82
    Location:
    Ottawa, Ontario Canada
    Thanks - I like it a lot. At night, all of the 'hairy' stuff retracts and it looks
    almost like really thick coraline algae... or cake frosting. :cheesy:

    During the day (light), it extends and moves with the water flow like wind blown wheat in a farmers field.
    Seems to be partly photosynthetic as portions that are not well lit dissappear. It also seems to be a filter feeder (I think :confused:).
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2008
    Zzippper, Aug 10, 2008
    Zzippper, Aug 10, 2008
    #5
  6. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
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    Location:
    Wonderland
    Yup, encrusting Gorgonian known as Erythropodium sp.
     
    coral reefer, Aug 10, 2008
    coral reefer, Aug 10, 2008
    #6