Torch Suddenly Dies/Only Skeleton Left

[Mikedawg]

This morning a torch coral very suddenly "disappeared" leaving behind only its skeleton; it was partially open about 30 minutes after the LEDs came on. I've examined it closely and don't see any signs of life unless it has completely retreated into its skeleton. Parameters are all okay including alk. I've had this beautiful organism for about six months now and its tentacles are normally fully extended. I have noticed some tissue recession in past few weeks. Guess I'll keep it in tank for a few days looking for any signs of life.

Haven't found much research on similar deaths and wondering if this sometimes "just happens" or that torches are susceptible to a particular disease or water conditions.

Appreciate any thoughts......

 

[Ludders]

I thought torches / hammers / frogspawn were all fairly hardy (within reason of course). Never heard of a sudden death like what you describe. Is everything else okay? All parameters and chemistry okay?

 

[Tahoe61]

They are susceptible to Brown Jelly Disease, which can happen quickly and polyp bail out secondary to a stressor, typically related to water chemistry. There is always the chance a tank inhabitant dined on the coral as well, the usual suspects are shrimp, crabs and some fish types.

 

[Mikedawg]

My understanding as well and I checked all parameters with both Salifert and RedSea test kits so I don't think that's the problem; I am truly puzzled.

 

[Ludders]

Any signs of disease or something dining on it?

 

[Mikedawg]

They are susceptible to Brown Jelly Disease, which can happen quickly and polyp bail out secondary to a stressor, typically related to water chemistry. There is always the chance a tank inhabitant dined on the coral as well, the usual suspects are shrimp, crabs and some fish types.

I'll research brown jelly disease; do have a scoly nearby that is also showing a little tissue recession and has a brown, stringy material attached to the area of what is becoming skeleton. Only animal I've added to tank in some time is a red brittle starfish but think they are reef safe. Thanks much for the lead.

 

[Mikedawg]

Any signs of disease or something dining on it?

Nothing I noticed, in just a few hours coral is completely gone, unless it fully receded into its skeleton. Must have been under significant stress.

 

[madducks42]

I've had three torch corals. Every single one of them did this. The last one I had for six months and it seemed to be doing great, it went from one head to three and was always fully open. Looked a little off one morning and was dead less than 12 hours later. No idea to what caused it. Water parameters were stable and all the coral in the tank, including some hammers and frogspawn, are doing great.

 

[Mikedawg]

I've had three torch corals. Every single one of them did this. The last one I had for six months and it seemed to be doing great, it went from one head to three and was always fully open. Looked a little off one morning and was dead less than 12 hours later. No idea to what caused it. Water parameters were stable and all the coral in the tank, including some hammers and frogspawn, are doing great.

Sounds just like what happened to me; glad to hear other coral doing well because I sure don't want to have to move everything out of tank.

 

[Mikedawg]

They are susceptible to Brown Jelly Disease, which can happen quickly and polyp bail out secondary to a stressor, typically related to water chemistry. There is always the chance a tank inhabitant dined on the coral as well, the usual suspects are shrimp, crabs and some fish types.

Unfortunately, this is a current pic of scoly near it (bad cell phone camera I know) and circled part looks like pictures I've seen of BJ disease; what do you guys think? And if it is brown jelly what has worked for you in terms of treatment? I understand this stuff is very hard to get rid of.

Lugol's solution is mentioned by some reefers as best cure available; anyone have experience with it? If so, what concentrations did you use for a coral dip and for a whole tank preventive measure?

Thanks.