ID for hitchiker coral (picture)

[krishj39]

These little soft corals (they look like caterpillars in the picture) came on a rock I purchased for the caulerpa growing on it. I saw these corals when I purchased it and chose this rock on purpose because I thought they were interesting. Obviously, the caulerpa went sexual long ago and died, leaving just these little coral polyps and an unIDed macroalgae. When the lights go off, the polyps do extend tentacles. They are multiplying, I had about 5 when I bought the rock and I probably have 15 now. Anyone seen these before? What can you tell me about them?

 

[krishj39]

Here is a close up of the most in-focus ones at the top.

 

[blk822]

The macro looks like a kelp that grows in the pacific But I can't think of the name.

 

[krishj39]

closeup of the bottom ones, there are closed zoos at the bottom of this picture for size reference. The unIDed coral polyps are about 1/4 of an inch across and up to 1 and 1/2 inches long.

 

[wablondie98664]

those look like snake polyps. i have some. they are nocturnal, open up at night.

 

[wablondie98664]

heres a couple pics of mine

 

[wablondie98664]

2

 

[j21kickster]

snake polypa is my guess- a sweet hiker if you ask me

 

[nm reef]

I agree...commonly known as snake polyps...I've never seen any first hand but I have seen several instances where folks have posted the same sort of ID question ... very kewl pics of them folks!

 

[krishj39]

Thanks guys, that's definitely a postive ID. Any info I should know about them?

 

[nicky1.8t]

yepper deffently snake polyps
i got some in a mushroom rock. as far as i can tell they open up at night and seem very harmless