Green star polyps ate my birdsnest!

[Danielj]

Over the last few days I have noticed my GSP getting close to my first ever birdsnest. I grew it from a frag about the size of a pinky nail, and it was fused to a large rock.

I noticed it was very close to touching so I made a note to myself to break it off and move it.

After a few days I noticed the GSP did not get any closer, but kind of thickened up. I figured chemical warfare or something I did not understand was keeping them apart. So I left them alone.

Today I checked it.... The GSP has totally engulfed the birdsnest, I can not even see it, I have never seen anything spread like that in 1 day! The birdsnest is totally dead now. :evil:

Is this normal? has this happened to anyone else? It is almost like it bunched up to "leap" on it.
From now on I am moving anything BEFORE it gets close.

 

[melev]

Yep, GSP can be a problem coral. It is almost best to have it on its own "island" in the sand, so you can keep it from spreading and killing other corals. It also avoids it encrusting on nearby LR that could have been nice real estate.

 

[jayc]

Yeah, as far as chemical warfare or any stinging goes, polyps are pretty harmless; they'll simply just grow over you. =/

 

[ToddLaCo]

Actually GSP are among the worst for chemical warfare. I am pasting a quote below from Anthony Calfo.

In the same thread he states that GSP are not found on the reef proper, or anywhere near coral. They are found away from the reef in mucky areas and rubble. It's funny how nature seems to keep incompatible neighbors away from each other. :wink:

 

[Andrew76021]

@jayc wrote:

I'd have to disagree with this statement.

 

[jayc]

Oh, wow; very interesting. I always thought it was simply because of their encrusting grown pattern that made it such a danger.

Learn something new every day. =)