Pulsing Xenia... Do they have eyes? (no, the Damsel does)

P

Pneumatic

I have a frag of Pulsing Xenia in my tank now. It's strapped down to a piece of rock doing it's thing. My tank is in my office to the left of where I sit so I can glance over and check it out... To be more accurate, I glance away from the tank every now and then and do some work. :)

If something strikes my interest I roll over to the tank and check it out. I noticed that when I do this the Xenia closes up a little, and sometimes all the way. I roll back to my normal position and slowly it extends back out and starts flapping in the breeze again.

The lights are off in the office and on in the tank so there is no possible way for me to cast a shadow over the tank. Do they have eyes or is it just a coincidence that he retracts when I (or a family member) approaches the tank?
 
Well now I just feel dumb.

I was certain that they were reacting to me. I could sit in front of the tank motionless and they would be open and happy. I watched them as I waved my hands in front of the tank without making any vibrations and sure enough they would close up. I finally realized that my little skittish yellow tail Damsel was darting away every time I moved and THAT is what caused the reaction. Mystery solved.

In other news... If someone happened to see me sitting motionless in front of the tank and then suddenly waving my arms around the tank they would have me committed. I am sure I looked really stupid but I had to know why they were doing that. ;)
 
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