Xenia invaded by sponge/worm

[suzstephens]

There were root-like things growing at the base of my Xenia and a spongey substance on the rock. A couple of areas of the coral were becoming necrotic, so last night I teased the Xenia off the rock. Does anyone know what this is and can you advise me on where to go from here? I'm thinking of separating the half of the stalk that has a white "porthole" and dark bulge on its side from the healthier half.

http://www.culturedaquaria.com/xenia/xenia.jpg
http://www.culturedaquaria.com/xenia/xenia0.jpg
http://www.culturedaquaria.com/xenia/xenia1.jpg
http://www.culturedaquaria.com/xenia/xenia2.jpg
http://www.culturedaquaria.com/xenia/xenia3.jpg
http://www.culturedaquaria.com/xenia/xenia4.jpg
http://www.culturedaquaria.com/xenia/xenia5.jpg

 

[John_Brandt]

That stringy (root) stuff is sponge, and is part of the larger mass of sponge that was beneath the Xenia. It produces enzymes that can erode the rock and might cause complications for the Xenia if it grows directly beneath it. I don't think it's important that you eradicate the sponge, but moving the Xenia is a good idea, as you have done.