Spikey live rock

[Starr]

I dont know if any of you have handled uncured live rock but every time that I do my hands get stabbed by numerous tiny fiber glass looking spikes that I have to pull of my hands. Does anybody know what this is?

[hammondegge]

bristle worms?

[JimD]

If they're red, its just calcious algae.

[Starr]

No, there are no bristle worms and their not red. There just clear hard spikes. This is on Fiji rock.

[R_S_C]

sounds like a tube worm.

[brewercm]

I've had that happen before. Can't tell you what it was though.

[Starr]

I have never seen any kind of worm or living creature. I dont think its that although you guys have some good ideas. I dont think its worms because for every single uncured rock to have a worm in it is in my opinion not likely.

[brewercm]

I had it happen when I picked up a bunch last year from Frederick. He warned us about it but like I said, I'm not sure what it was. Like you said it was just like fiberglass.

[GaryP]

There is a snail that forms these spikes. They are a sessile filter feeder, sorta like a barnacle. My tank used to be loaded with them. The inside of my skimmer would get chocked solid with them.

[Ram_Puppy]

vermatid snails is what your describing gary, but starr said like glass spikes... vermitid snail shells would be monsters compared to what is being described.

[caferacermike]

When I picked up my rock from Monica she had me wear gloves just because of this.

[Texreefer]

they are the shells of tiny little creatures called diatoms are they not? they are a single celled aglae,with cell walls formed of silica, when they dry out these silicate shells become crystalized,,, and very sharp

[GaryP]

Thanks Ram. I had a senior moment and couldn't remember vermetid. If its like fiberglass, its probably bristle worms.

[monica]

Its not bristel worms, the Fiji rock comes in most the time coverd in small baby coral and with the tranship they shed. But all the little glass like bristels are baby coral bristals, cant remeber the name of the baby coral but thats what they are.

Also dont try and use tweezers to pull them out as it doesnt work, I use duck tape to get them out of my fingers and hands.

[Ross]

I know exactly what your talking about, there just tiny featherdusters.

[Louie3]

I would say Brislte worms ( god I hate them ) maybe the worm died and bristle were left behinde scatered on the rock?

[Starr]

I have tried to use tweezers and the spikes just broke and got smaller which made it harder to get them out. I like the tape idea and will probably use it from now on( I handle alot of uncured rock). The little coral shard thing I have never heard of but it does seem like it could possibly be that. If anyone else can come up with something I would sure like to hear your ideas. Thanks for all the replys.