Odd creatures on a sponge

Saw these guys on a sponge while diving in Grand Cayman last week - anyone know what they are? They were about 2-3mm long.

In context

Close up:

Thanks, James.

Did they move? Any sign of legs? Were they attached to the sponge?

Did they move? Any sign of legs? Were they attached to the sponge?

I didn't see them move, and I couldn't see any visible legs - they did appear to be attached to the sponge, but I wasn't poking at them, so can't be 100% sure.

I suspect they're young (= small) tunicates colonies. In your close up I can see what looks like the individual siphons. If they are tunicates in time the colonies will spread & cover most of the sponge.

I suspect they're young (= small) tunicates colonies. In your close up I can see what looks like the individual siphons. If they are tunicates in time the colonies will spread & cover most of the sponge.

I'll have to see if I can find that sponge again next year and see how it's doing!

Thanks for your input.

James.

I found a similar species on a sponge in Maria La Gorda, Cuba. Probably it is a Strawberry Tunicate (Eudistoma sp.). Here is the link to my website with several pictures: http://www.reefcolors.de/Galleries/2009_Ma...4_26_large.html.