Toadstool Leather learn

Mark Bradley · Apr 2, 2020

J
Just to share a learn. This white spot developed on my Toadstool. I consulted two LFS and one said it was a disease and I should cut it and one said a new toadstool was likely to grow out of it. Because it was looking so good I didn’t really believe the ‘disease’ theory BUT thought it could be the early stages. I decided to watch and see how things progressed. The white ‘spot’ got bigger and bigger - however, the toadstool still looked great.
What has actually happened is the base has effectively split where the white ‘spot’ was and joined/moved further down the rock base. This has given the small ‘baby’ (see above photo) the space to grow where, presumably, its parent once stood. Really found this interesting to watch - my ‘base rock’ has two large toadstools and now 4 ‘baby’ ones. Amazed to see how they move around to accommodate.

bigdrew · Apr 2, 2020

Thanks for sharing.

Tahoe61 · Apr 2, 2020

Yup people freak out over the unusual why Toadstool reproduce.

You did right by following your instincts.

Mark Bradley · Apr 5, 2020

Bought two ‘heads’ and it’s developed into six - very happy!

Ferrell · Apr 5, 2020

My Tyree Neon Long Tentacle Toadstool did the same thing but in a different way. I noticed the head was getting the same white spots on the canopy/head and thought the same as you, disease, or I thought it was happening where it kinda rubbed on a rock. I am glad that a R2R poster said that it was ok and it would heal or continue to "frag" itself. Well it did frag itself, almost to the point that the entire head was about to fall off the trunk. So I went ahead and helped it out and finish cutting the head off. Put large pieces on large disk and grew out, gave some to my local club members and traded the LFS 8 pieces and kept one for myself. The one I kept grew to about the size of a silver dollar and then fragged itself, from which I got 8 small pieces which I was about ready to trade in until this QT Covid-19 thing hit. I will probably now keep one and keep propogating them to trade. I also have a pink one that has grown into a beast with an approximate 2.5" diameter trunk and is at the top of my tank in about 350 par light and really strong flow. I'll try and get some pictures posted when I get to my phone.

DeniseAndy · Apr 5, 2020

Mine get those from time to time and no big deal. With leathers, the only major sign I have found of disease is black tissue on them. This is bad.
Beautiful leather.

sfin52 · Apr 5, 2020

My devil's hand is in the process of doing this. I first suspected disease but it looks reall good. I remembered that leathers do this. I'm letting it go.
Strange as it developed the white spots mine has looked better and bigger.

jazzfisher · May 14, 2020

So glad I did a search for this. My Toadstool just got these white spots and I thought it was diseased & was ready to try to pull it out. Does mine look like what you are talking about? Any input is welcome as I'm newer to corals.

sfin52 · May 14, 2020

Mine gets white spots when new growth starts. I'll take a pic of my devils hand separating

Mark Bradley · May 14, 2020

My white spots always appear on the stem - it appears different toadstools behave differently. What I’ve noticed is that if the toadstool looks healthy, aside from the developing white spot, then there’s nowt to worry about.

Flippers4pups · May 14, 2020

White spots aren't a major concern and could be attributed to growth, but in some cases it's a precursor to infection. When it's time to act is when the spot becomes dark, grey or black. This is tissue necrosis and can spread throughout the tissue quickly.

If this ever happens, frag away the infected tissue, dip the healthy tissue in Lugol's solution. Run GAC anytime you frag a leather in tank. They can release toxins, not dangerous to us humans, fish or inverts but irritating to corals.

My "monsters".

jazzfisher · May 14, 2020

Flippers4pups said:
White spots aren't a major concern and could be attributed to growth, but in some cases it's a precursor to infection. When it's time to act is when the spot becomes dark, grey or black. This is tissue necrosis and can spread throughout the tissue quickly.

If this ever happens, frag away the infected tissue, dip the healthy tissue in Lugol's solution. Run GAC anytime you frag a leather in tank. They can release toxins, not dangerous to us humans, fish or inverts but irritating to corals.

My "monsters".

On mine the polyps are NOT out right now but they do that sometimes but I'm still a bit worried. Would the Duncan sting it?

Flippers4pups · May 14, 2020

jazzfisher said:
On mine the polyps are NOT out right now but they do that sometimes but I'm still a bit worried. Would the Duncan sting it?

It's possible or if could be irritated by the Duncan's proximity.

Mark Bradley · May 15, 2020

jazzfisher said:
On mine the polyps are NOT out right now but they do that sometimes but I'm still a bit worried. Would the Duncan sting it?

When they are changing mine also stop showing their polyps but for a short period (a day ish). Once the change has happened they come back bigger and better.

Johny Cash · May 15, 2020

its so awesome,

Yet also funny how we freak out when something unusual happens loll, at least me just ruins my whole day. Well i am glad you followed your instincts and got new babies congratulations its a toadstool!!