New coral - hitchhiker and should I get rid of it?

Zpmada · 01/12/2018, 03:32 PM

I recently purchased a new coral. As I have the bags floating, I noticed what looks like little legs moving around. I think it is some sort of micro brittle star but what do you think?

I didn't see it before purchasing as the coral was open. The owner said it is a Texas polyp and was only $5. I really liked how it looked Unfortunately I am reading it can be a pest. Should I get rid of this? Is the hitchhiker ok?

Also not sure what this green tubular looking coral is attached to my purple Taylor tree or if it's even alive or an old coral that died.

Thanks

JUNBUG361 · 01/13/2018, 07:55 PM

Dip in coral revive, kill unwanted hitchhikers

mcgyvr · 01/14/2018, 07:33 AM

As we said in your other post (no need to double post)
It looks like the leg of a harmless and beneficial micro brittle starfish..
Keep it..

Not sure what the green thing is.. Almost looks like a dead coral skeleton of some SPS coral..

Uncle99 · 01/14/2018, 03:18 PM

Kill all unwanted hitchhikers
Most grow up to be trouble some

mcgyvr · 01/14/2018, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle99

Kill all unwanted hitchhikers
Most grow up to be trouble some

Ive had the exact opposite experience..
Most have just been beneficial and harmless..

SRQreef3r · 01/14/2018, 06:05 PM

Better safe than sorry, my .02...i would dip it in coral revive

Uncle99 · 01/15/2018, 01:11 PM

Maybe true, but you have 10 times the experience level and mistakes in our hobby can be expensive.....what I do know is ever since I inspect, dip, review, dip, inspect and keep only what I bought....Zero problems!

reef cuber · 01/16/2018, 08:09 AM

I would dip, but grab that brittle and try to save it.

Uncle99 · 01/16/2018, 12:51 PM

On my second rebuild, now years old, I made a promise to myself never to knowingly add a hitchhiker to my tank. Once carefully selected and non troublesome mates were offered an outstanding home. Packed with softies, LPS and a few SPS, I have 6 fish and 3 shrimp in a 70 gallon.....
Since the start, And contrary to past experience, I have not lost anything, not even a snail in years. Each member is happy living in a non confrontational environment of peace.

I wish I would have done this 25 years ago when I started.....A heck of a lot cheaper.

Just my vision, beautiful, peaceful, harmony at its best......IMO...

01/14/2018, 07:33 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	As we said in your other post (no need to double post) It looks like the leg of a harmless and beneficial micro brittle starfish.. Keep it.. Not sure what the green thing is.. Almost looks like a dead coral skeleton of some SPS coral.. __________________ Who me?

01/13/2018, 07:55 PM	#2
JUNBUG361 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Antioch,CALIFORNIA Posts: 1,091	Dip in coral revive, kill unwanted hitchhikers

01/14/2018, 03:18 PM	#4
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	Kill all unwanted hitchhikers Most grow up to be trouble some

01/14/2018, 06:05 PM	#6
SRQreef3r Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 50	Better safe than sorry, my .02...i would dip it in coral revive

01/15/2018, 01:11 PM	#7
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	Maybe true, but you have 10 times the experience level and mistakes in our hobby can be expensive.....what I do know is ever since I inspect, dip, review, dip, inspect and keep only what I bought....Zero problems!

01/16/2018, 08:09 AM	#8
reef cuber Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 100	I would dip, but grab that brittle and try to save it.

01/16/2018, 12:51 PM	#9
Uncle99 Crab Free Zone Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,906	On my second rebuild, now years old, I made a promise to myself never to knowingly add a hitchhiker to my tank. Once carefully selected and non troublesome mates were offered an outstanding home. Packed with softies, LPS and a few SPS, I have 6 fish and 3 shrimp in a 70 gallon..... Since the start, And contrary to past experience, I have not lost anything, not even a snail in years. Each member is happy living in a non confrontational environment of peace. I wish I would have done this 25 years ago when I started.....A heck of a lot cheaper. Just my vision, beautiful, peaceful, harmony at its best......IMO...