STN or something else?

Mr. Microscope · Mar 3, 2013

Hello All,

I've been noticing these little faded spots on my candlelight acro lately. Can someone give me an incling about what's going on here? I don't think it's necrosis as the tissue is still there, but it just seems to be fading to whitish. Any thoughts?

My only thought was that the Bonsai encrustation has been getting close and maybe causing some issues. I removed a little of the Bonsai today to prevent warfare.

Thanks!

skinz78 · Mar 3, 2013

It looks like bite marks to me?

Joe Knows Reefs · Mar 3, 2013

Ummm...you're not going to like this but it looks like AEFW are munching on your candlelight

Mr. Microscope · Mar 3, 2013

I'm pretty sure it's not AEFW. I'm basing that on not having added anything in a very long time. Also, all other SPS look okay. Can they lay dormant for a long time?

Mr. Microscope · Mar 3, 2013

I do have an urchin. Any possibility it's been snacking on it?

Breakin Newz · Mar 3, 2013

What kind of urchin? I've heard stories of some eating coral.......

CoralFragZ · Mar 3, 2013

I don't think an urchin can get in that tight of a spot under the branch. Id yank it and dip it and use your microscope no pun attempted.

Mr. Microscope · Mar 3, 2013

(Echinometra Viridis)
I thought they were only rarely a threat to LPS skeleton and not coral flesh.

Mr. Microscope · Mar 3, 2013

tdb320reef said:
I don't think an urchin can get in that tight of a spot under the branch. Id yank it and dip it and use your microscope no pun attempted.

This one could get at it. The urchin is not too big. Also, the encrustation is pretty open. The colony is encrusted on base rock. There's no getting it out without getting out the bone-cutters.

CoralFragZ · Mar 3, 2013

Shut your flow off and take a turkey blaster and see if you get translucent creatures flying off is one way to test it.

Mr. Microscope · Mar 3, 2013

tdb320reef said:
Shut your flow off and take a turkey blaster and see if you get translucent creatures flying off is one way to test it.

Cool. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try it tomorrow.

Reef Fever · Mar 4, 2013

definitely not tissue necrosis, if i it were literally shreds of tissue would be coming off

GuyWalker1219 · Mar 4, 2013

I am sorry to say looks exactly like the signs of AEFW to me as well. What I would do is remove the coral and dip it in bayer advanced for 10 minutes then check the solution for flatworms and the bottom of the dip cup for little jelly blobs(flatworms as well) then at least you will know.

Mr. Microscope · Mar 4, 2013

Reef Fever said:
definitely not tissue necrosis, if i it were literally shreds of tissue would be coming off

That's what I thought too, but only have about a year's experience with SPS.

Mr. Microscope · Mar 4, 2013

GuyWalker1219 said:
I am sorry to say looks exactly like the signs of AEFW to me as well. What I would do is remove the coral and dip it in bayer advanced for 10 minutes then check the solution for flatworms and the bottom of the dip cup for little jelly blobs(flatworms as well) then at least you will know.

What about the area on top? Does that look characteristic of AEFW too? Also, is it possible for them to be dormant for a long time and suddenly start munching on SPS? I haven't added anything in a very long time.