Copepods on zoas

[Nano Gabe]

So I recently have been seeing my zoas closed and was wondering what was happening and I’ve been looking for a while now and have even been coming to look late at night haven’t seen any worms or pests. But during the day I have been seeing copepods all over my zoas. My theory is that they are causing specifically my Rasta’s to close. What should I do about this? Is it an issue? I’ve been thinking about adding a yellow Midas Blenny to the system because I like them and I’ve also heard of them going after pods. It’s just a bit strange to see them taking refuge in my zoas. Any advice would be appreciated. I would add a photo but they don’t show up well I’m photos but I’m 100% sure they are pods.

 

[Flippers4pups]

So I recently have been seeing my zoas closed and was wondering what was happening and I’ve been looking for a while now and have even been coming to look late at night haven’t seen any worms or pests. But during the day I have been seeing copepods all over my zoas. My theory is that they are causing specifically my Rasta’s to close. What should I do about this? Is it an issue? I’ve been thinking about adding a yellow Midas Blenny to the system because I like them and I’ve also heard of them going after pods. It’s just a bit strange to see them taking refuge in my zoas. Any advice would be appreciated. I would add a photo but they don’t show up well I’m photos but I’m 100% sure they are pods.

Copepods are pretty small. Maybe they are amphipods? Or isopods?

 

[Nano Gabe]

Copepods are pretty small. Maybe they are amphipods? Or isopods?

Do those eat zoa’s?

 

[Brad Miller]

They will eat the dead tissue on them and irritate them until they close, but I don't think they actually eat them

 

[Nano Gabe]

They will eat the dead tissue on them and irritate them until they close, but I don't think they actually eat them

So what can I do about them?

 

[Brad Miller]

Best to add something that will eat them but also eat other food so when the pods are all, they will still survive

 

[Nano Gabe]

Best to add something that will eat them but also eat other food so when the pods are all, they will still survive

What would you recommend I’ve been looking at the Midas blenny and yellow wrasse.

 

[Brad Miller]

You didn't mention what size tank you have or any particulars so it would be kinda hard to suggest anything

 

[Zakery Murray]

If you have had a large tank and it is well established with lots of pods, may I suggest a mandarin.

 

[Nano Gabe]

You didn't mention what size tank you have or any particulars so it would be kinda hard to suggest anything

28g biocube packed with coral and only other fish are 2 clowns.

 

[Brad Miller]

If you have had a large tank and it is well established with lots of pods, may I suggest a mandarin.

That's what I did, my green mandarin is sooooo cool, fat and happy with pods, Mysis shrimp, scallops, you name it.
Took him awhile to adjust but I'm so proud of him

 

[Nano Gabe]

If you have had a large tank and it is well established with lots of pods, may I suggest a mandarin.

Those fish are awesome but I’m worried that I my tank isn’t large enough to support the pods they eat ;(

 

[Nano Gabe]

I’m leaning towards a yellow wrasse

 

[Brad Miller]

You can get most of them to eat other stuff

 

[Zakery Murray]

That's what I did, my green mandarin is sooooo cool, fat and happy with pods, Mysis shrimp, scallops, you name it.
Took him awhile to adjust but I'm so proud of him

I wanted one so bad, but me and growing pods don't do well, so I spent forever training him to eat mysis, I felt like a proud parent the first time I watched my precious eat frozen food. :0

 

[Zakery Murray]

Those fish are awesome but I’m worried that I my tank isn’t large enough to support the pods they eat ;(

What size tank and, if so sump? Pictures would help if you got some of the zoa and well of course the tank