Goniopora vs. encrusting sponge

[danmhippo]

I just found a piece of LR with about 10 heads of goniopora on it. The way they close up I figure they are encrusting goniopora. Green tipped polyps. Right next to it are patches of yellow encrusting sponge. Anyone knows if the goniopora is going to pull through in this war for territory? Should I attempt to clear grounds for the goniopora?

It's quite amazing what can grow out of your tank where you are not looking.

 

[davelin315]

Sweet! The only goniopora I've had success with was a piece like that, one attached to live rock. I think the sponge could be hazardous to your goniopora, as it's really not going to be susceptible to any nematocysts. You might want to try and get rid of the sponge, or at least peel it back from the goniopora. IMO, having a healthy goniopora beats out almost any other coral any day.