What is it?

[rover61]

A local fish shop here in Thailand recently received some new invertebrates. They are very interesting, but I don't know what they are and the owner only knows the Thai name for them.
Here is a description: Most are red, similar to a red starish color. Some are large (small hand size) and all have finger like formations coming from a base like structure. I was able to touch one and it felt rigid, movable, like a starfish. Also there was a small portion on the bottom were it had been attached to something. I thought they might be sponges, but the owner was able to say they weren't sponges or any type of coral. I would really like to have one for my reef tank, but wouldn't dare get one without knowing what it is. Any suggestions?

 

[kris walker]

Could it be a sea cucumber or sea slug? If it is, it is okay to have in a reef, especially a nutrient-rich reef simulating a lagoon backreef environment. They are filter feeders, and require plankton for food.
Just a thought,
sam

 

[rover61]

Thanks for the reply. Pretty sure it not one of those. Too many branchs. On second thought, it kind of looks like a branching catus only red and no thorns. Still wondering????

 

[nosmada]

possibly a nudibranch ?? they come in all sorts of colors and branching tenticles. although im not sure they grow the size of a small hand ( unless its a newborn).check this site of nudibranches:
http://divegallery.com/
hth,
chris

 

[jakob4001]

hmmm, could it maybe be a sea apple; you could maybe do a search online for "sea apple"; bound to be some results that yield pictures of them; or maybe do a search for the thai name

 

[rover61]

Appreciate everyone suggestions. I am working on more info and possibly a pic. It is not a sea apple, but thanks for helping.
Jeff

 

[rover61]

Thanks to everyone that tried to help, even Sammystringray (just kidding). The thing is that this invert is in a LFS's aquarium and I am trying to remember what I saw and what the LFS people told me. Well, I haved narrowed it down to one thing and despite what the LFS said, it must be....drum roll..... a sponge. I don't know much about them and therefore am not in the market for one of them. It sure is a beauty though. Love this board you people are a great help to us newbies in this hobby.
Jeff