Acan putting out strange web-like structure.

gmastr85 · Nov 1, 2015

Below is a picture of my acan. It's been in my tank over a year. And it's doing very well. On the backside are 4 babies. (can't really see them in the pic). The first picture shows it during the day. It looks normal. I turned the lights on for the 2nd picture so it shows how it looks at night.

There are strange weblike strings it seems to be covering itself in every night. It's been going on for about 6 weeks now. Any idea what it is or why the acan is doing this? It's doing very well. I'd just like to know what is going on here...

Taken during the day. Looks normal...

Taken at night. What are these weblike strings?

Shep · Nov 1, 2015

Could just be feeders, could you get a clearer pic?

gmastr85 · Nov 1, 2015

Here are 2 more pictures I tried taking with my dslr. It's nighttime in my tank so its a little hard...

kschweer · Nov 1, 2015

More than likely mesenterial fibers.

https://www.reefs.com/blog/2011/07/23/when-corals-spill-their-guts/

gmastr85 · Nov 1, 2015

I agree that this may be what is going on here. I've seen that article before. And did think of that. Those fibers in the article seem like they are aimed at other corals though. The fibers on my acan are just all over itself. They don't seem to be reaching for other corals or trying to sting anything. There isn't another coral within 3 inches of it. And the article seems to think it is a reaction among corals that are struggling and doesn't happen in nature very much. I can tell you that this acan is doing great.

I think you are right about the mensenterial fibers. I just don't understand why it's doing it.

kschweer · Nov 1, 2015

gmastr85 said:
I agree that this may be what is going on here. I've seen that article before. And did think of that. Those fibers in the article seem like they are aimed at other corals though. The fibers on my acan are just all over itself. They don't seem to be reaching for other corals or trying to sting anything. There isn't another coral within 3 inches of it. And the article seems to think it is a reaction among corals that are struggling and doesn't happen in nature very much. I can tell you that this acan is doing great.

I think you are right about the mensenterial fibers. I just don't understand why it's doing it.

Im not sure on the cause bit I see the same thing from my scoly from time to time.

gmastr85 · Nov 1, 2015

Interesting! Thanks for the info. The only thing I have noticed is the 4 babies on the backside (not in view) of this acan. That's the only thing that's changed and he's been doing this ever since they've appeared... Maybe that has something to do with the fibers...