white creature id.

[slate]

I have been noticing this white creature growing out of my green star polyps and im not sure what it is. the base looks like a small straw and when the fish swim by it the top sucks its self into the base. I would really like to identify what this thing is. Thank you.

 

[saxman]

It's a little fanworm, probably a Serpulid fanworm. Harmless filter feeders.
Here's a link to a pictorial hitchiker guide that may help in the furture...just match your critter to a photo:
http://www.lionfishlair.com/hitchhiker/hitchhiker.shtml

 

[slate]

Thank you very much.