thingy on urchin spines

[fishfanatic2]

I posted this in the general discussion, but I think this might be the better forum.

I am noticing these tiny, 3mm. tall, oval shaped white things on my urchin spines. They have holes down the center and look like a honeycomb from the outside. Are they sponges? I have recently seen more of them/do sponges reproduce quickly, or have I just missed them? Is it really a sponge, or fungus 8O .

Thanks for any sggestions!

 

[klingsa]

Hi there. I'm new here, but I am a biologist and long-time hobbyist. I can't tell you if they are sponges or not, but I do know that sponges can reproduce very quickly. If a few cells split off, they can form a new colony. Sponges are basically colonies of individual cells working together, so they can quickly create new "animals." Do you see them elsewhere in the tank, or just on the urchin? A lot of urchins pick up other animals and debris to camoflauge themselves, so that may be what is going on. They could also be small moluscs or flatworms. Just a few ideas. I hope that helps!