Got stung by some live rock!

[ewurm]

A piece of live rock had some type of sponge growing on it, and I didn't see it before I picked it up. Got a bunch of bristles in my hand, just like a bristleworm. Really sucked! I thought I had grabbed a bristleworm, but it turned out to be this sponge. It was covered in these tiny spines. What was it?

 

[proaquatics]

THANK GOD i am not the only one this has happen to, ouch everytime i touch something.
dont know what kind of sponge either.but when you are trying to tie a bag they go deeper,and then break off pain to work with liverock sometimes.
gl on the species search

 

[ewurm]

Yep, that's exactly what I am talking about. Hopefully someone can give a headsup on what this is.

 

[BIGgourami]

fire 'coral'

 

[BIGgourami]

or possibly just spicules from a dying section, but i doubt that.

 

[Reefscape]

Because sponges fit in somewhere between protozoans and cnidarians (stinging corals), some do posess the ability to cause a stinging sensation, however, there are actually not that many that pull in the ability from the cnidarian side and adopt the bristles to give them protection..

If you get stung by these, just use sticky tape to remove the bristles and run under flowing cold water for a few minutes to ease pain...then wash the stung area with a mix of 1 part salt, 3 parts vinegar..this will neutralise the toxin that is left behind by the bristles...

What sponges can sting you?? Well, there has been many tax reports done on sponges, and they do not seem to provide a huge insight into why specific sponges will sting. What "is" known is that Red or Fireball sponges are guaranteed to sting you..and yes...THIS FREAKIN HURTS...wear gloves....

Hope this little insight has been some help to yourself Ewurn, and others...

 

[princess]

i always wear gloves now since i got a bristol worm sting....thick ones!

 

[ewurm]

Because sponges fit in somewhere between protozoans and cnidarians (stinging corals), some do posess the ability to cause a stinging sensation, however, there are actually not that many that pull in the ability from the cnidarian side and adopt the bristles to give them protection..

If you get stung by these, just use sticky tape to remove the bristles and run under flowing cold water for a few minutes to ease pain...then wash the stung area with a mix of 1 part salt, 3 parts vinegar..this will neutralise the toxin that is left behind by the bristles...

What sponges can sting you?? Well, there has been many tax reports done on sponges, and they do not seem to provide a huge insight into why specific sponges will sting. What "is" known is that Red or Fireball sponges are guaranteed to sting you..and yes...THIS FREAKIN HURTS...wear gloves....

Hope this little insight has been some help to yourself Ewurn, and others...

Thanks Niko, I appreciate it.