Mystery Cnidarian

[andy]

I spotted this fellow tucked in on the backside of a small outcropping of live rock. His location and apparent nocturnal tendancies makes photography difficult. He's mostly buttoned-up under the halides, opening up under the actinics and really getting rolling in the dark.

From what little I could find online, he has a lot in common with Tube Anemones -- except he is living in the rock rather than in the substrate like Tube Anemone normally do. The most distinctive characteristic is the 'compass' pattern on his oral disc. If you have any ideas who this guy is, let me know...


http://reef.eldersign.org/images/mystery1.jpg

http://reef.eldersign.org/images/mystery2.jpg

http://reef.eldersign.org/images/mystery3.jpg

http://reef.eldersign.org/images/mystery4.jpg

[spayne]

I believe they are cup corals. I have a few of those in my tank. They haven't caused any issues for me. I think they're a fairly benevolent species. But I could be wrong! Hopefully someone else will chime in.

Stacy

[impur]

I vote cup coral as well.

[andy]

Ahhh, excellent. He does look a lot like the Cup Coral pix I've found online, though not identical. Good enough for me, thanks!

[Ahbrit]

I forgot to tell you about that Andy, sorry

[andy]

Oh, no apologies necessary at all -- spotting previously un-spotted creatures is the best part! A few nights ago, my wife and I sat in the dark with only the red lights on in the tank for about an hour just looking for new critters.

Whoa, that's kind'a pathetic... my wife and I spend an hour together in the dark.. with a red light on.. and all we're doing is staring into an aquarium DOH!

[spayne]

A few nights ago, my wife and I sat in the dark with only the red lights on in the tank for about an hour just looking for new critters.
That's one of my favorite parts of the hobby, doing moonlight patrols to see what kind of critters come out that you don't normally see during the day. Usually I have my handy dandy magnifying glass in hand as well! What's pathetic is I do these missions solo, I don't have my loving spouse investigating with me! Consider yourself lucky! :D

Stacy

[Ahbrit]

i could make so many jokes but i have to hold back.

[spayne]

i could make so many jokes but i have to hold back.
What? You hold back? Come on, no need for British etiquette here! Let 'er rip!

Stacy

[andy]

If my wife brought a magnifying glass I'd be crushed...

[spayne]

If my wife brought a magnifying glass I'd be crushed...
rofl

I hope I didn't take that the wrong way! ;)

Stacy