What exactly are Sweeper Tentacles?

[captbunzo]

Ok. I have read repeatedly about sweeper tentacles that are common with some corals, particularly LPS such as Euphylia and Galaxea. However, I have a hammer and frogspawn coral in my tank at home, but have yet to be able to postively ID something as a sweeper tentacles.

So, I was hoping someone might be able to explain this subject a little better. Of course, pictures would be wonderful. :D

Now, here is one thing. I HAVE noticed on occassion some strands of what looks like a mucus-like material stretching from some of these corals. It will usually have what looks like bubbles along the length of the strands. And these usually seperate and float away. I have noticed these coming from the general area of my hammer, frogspawn, and orange sun corals.

Thoughts?

[Blown 346]

Sweeper tentacles are actuall part of the coral, with your frogspawn it will be one or a few arms of the coral that will go extend out a few inches away from the coral looking for food.
The same goes for the hammer coral.
These strands you see could be the coral expelling waste or could be a defense mechanism if they are too close to their neighbors.

[Anthony Calfo]

...modified tentacles that are not used for feeding or reproduction, etc... they have one purpose in life: burn back every living thing within reach. Ouch.

:D

[captbunzo]

Pics, men & women, I need pics! :)

[cinnamongirl]

I had the same ? when I first got my LPS. But when you see one the first time, youll know it! My hammer has never had any, but my torch and frogspawn will get these really long tenticles that look just like the rest, except they're much longer and thinnner, waving about. My torch sticks one out about once a week and grabs onto whatever it can get to.

[Travis L. Stevens]

Here is a galaxea with some sweepers extended.

http://www.fishworld.com/img/032902/032902-105m.jpg

[captbunzo]

Very cool, Travis, thanks for posting. Did you take that pic?

[Travis L. Stevens]

Nope, just one I found on a google search. If you ever come up to Stillwater, you can see my galaxea send out sweepers. He hasn't in about 3 weeks now, but I get I can reduce flow and get it to do it.

[captbunzo]

VERY cool. I think, Travis, that you should frag your galaxea and give me a piece, sometime when I am in Stillwater.

Seriously, next time I am up there I will have to try and come by to look at your tank... :)

[Travis L. Stevens]

It's nothing special but you are more than welcome. And fragging my Galaxea would be like fragging a frag. The whole thing might be 2"x2"

[captbunzo]

:)