Are these sponges?

[ghofmann]

Does any onyone know what these tan colored circles with white spots are?
My guess would be sponges.

 

[John_Brandt]

You know, that might actually be an encrusting coral and the white spots are polyps. Look very closely at those spots and see if you can detect a tiny circle of white tentacles.

Too bad the photo isn't sharp, as that might provide the detail we need to identify it. There are also encrusting sponges that look something like this with the white spots being pores.

 

[ghofmann]

I'll try and get a better picture.

 

[ghofmann]

Try this one. It does look like it has small tenticals on the white spots. It's hard to get a good pic because they are only about the size of a pencil eraser.

 

[John_Brandt]

I'm sorry, the 2nd photo really doesn't help much. It's too blurry to get detail on what might be the polyps.

Look closely again at what might be the tentacles. Does it look like they are arranged in a circle (like an anemone)? IOW, is each white dot made up of tiny tentacles in a circle?

Almost forgot...welcome to Reefs.org!

 

[ghofmann]

Each white spot looks like it is sticking up off of the base and yes they do look like little anemones.

 

[Anonymous]

Sure looks like baby corals to me.

Welcome to reefs.org, ghofman. But, tell me the truth, you just took the original pic and made it bigger and cropped it, din't ya?

I understand, though, I have a really crappy digital camera, too..
<sm, wishing for a 6mp with a big memory stick for Christmas>

 

[ghofmann]

Actualy the second pic was different its just that I am not used to my new camera. :lol: This pic shows a little more detail but still you cant see the little tenticles. Anyway thanks for the welcome and the ifno, its nice to know that there are other likeminded individuals who are willing to share their knowledge and experience.