View Full Version : Web like trails from Sarcophyton Toadstool
I have a few different Sarcophyton Toadstools in my tank and one seems to be producing a few silk string like threads extending up about 4 inches or so into the water column. The silk like threads have other threads attached to them like a fishing line with 4 or 5 paternosters attached. Any ideas? :confused:
I would guess its a defence or territory setting process? The nearest other Toadstool is about 4 inches away, I will relocate one or the other if this is the case?
Rich
probably a ctenophore / comb jelly. Not bad but can irritate leathers and make them close up :)
probably a ctenophore / comb jelly. Not bad but can irritate leathers and make them close up :)
Thanks for this, but having now looked up ctenophore's on the web, I dont think this is what i'm seeing. I'm talking about a number of single ultra fine strings from the top of the toadstool (looks really fine, like the silk in a spiders web with several paternosters off the main thread. These protrude up into the water column about 4 to 5".
djb is right - it is a comb jelly. Very difficult to see the main body of the jelly, but the "webs" they trawl with are quite distinctive and what you describe. It always fascinates me how they collapse when something is trapped and then unfurl again a few moments later without getting hopelessly tangled up.
Can be an irritant but probably won't last too long in a cative environment anyway so I'd enjoy them whilst you can.
HTH
John
djb is right - it is a comb jelly. Very difficult to see the main body of the jelly, but the "webs" they trawl with are quite distinctive and what you describe. It always fascinates me how they collapse when something is trapped and then unfurl again a few moments later without getting hopelessly tangled up.
Can be an irritant but probably won't last too long in a cative environment anyway so I'd enjoy them whilst you can.
HTH
John
I agree these are really interesting creatures but its really p!ssing off my leather, it hasn't properly extended since the comb jellys came on the scene and it seems to be relentlessly shedding in the hope of getting rid of the Comb jelly (but it doesn't seem to shift it). All other leathers/corals are fine in the tank. Any ideas?
djb is right - it is a comb jelly. Very difficult to see the main body of the jelly, but the "webs" they trawl with are quite distinctive and what you describe. It always fascinates me how they collapse when something is trapped and then unfurl again a few moments later without getting hopelessly tangled up.
Can be an irritant but probably won't last too long in a cative environment anyway so I'd enjoy them whilst you can.
HTH
John
I have done some research on the net and I have nailed the species down to a "purse jelly" like ethe one on the attached link below http://www.imagequest3d.com/catalogue/ctenophores/pages/h009_jpg.htm
My leather is that stressed by these pesky things it looks like it will snuff it any day. They are spreading quite prolifically, about an inch or so in diameter fine spots on the surface like a squids skin. Some have attached them selves to the glass.
I hope your leather makes it!
They are spreading quite prolifically, about an inch or so in diameter fine spots on the surface like a squids skin. Some have attached them selves to the glass.
"Comb jelly" and "Purse jelly" are just common names for the same group of animals. Never heard of them reaching plague proportions in a reef tank though. :(
Keep us updated!
John
The original leather that was harrassed has snuffed it, its started to break down/ started to go powdery etc. Spotted one of the blasted critters on the top of one of my other leathers, but it was fairly easy to peel off. I have now removed about 10 of the things from the glass and near by the leathers. I will keep a close eye.
Regards
Rich
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