Worms? Parasites? Need help!!!

[AwildcatsZ]

Hello. I am recently new to Reef2Reef after I first encountered a problem with my Scolymia coral. Luckily that issue has been resolved!

Today I have a new dilemma... I was looking at my tank today and noticed what looked to be eggs on the branches of my torch coral. I removed the coral and placed it in an iodine dip. Within a few minutes these worms started to crawl out of the heads of the torch coral.

After a 15 minute dip there were a total of 4 larger worms and numerous smaller ones that fell off of the coral. I am now in the process of trying to use a tooth brush to remove the majority of the eggs, but will not be able to reach them all.

Does anyone know what these are, and what they do? Is there a way to get rid of them?

 

[Lionfish Lair]

Those are nasty polyclad flatworms. They are a nasty parasite. I'm honestly not that familiar with successful eradication methods with these guys.

 

[AwildcatsZ]

Those are nasty polyclad flatworms. They are a nasty parasite. I'm honestly not that familiar with successful eradication methods with these guys.

After researching the polyclad flatworm I am noticing that they are a direct threat to clams and snails. Do you know if they harm any corals or fish?

Also I am not noticing any eggs on any of my other corals or rock work. This of course doesn't mean they're not there. I hate to think this, but if the torch coral is the only piece that looks to be carrying these pests, would it be wise not to put it back in the display tank?

 

[twilliard]

How big is the torch?

 

[Lionfish Lair]

There's also a flatworm known as Euphyllia Eating Flatworm (EEFW). That's the polyclad I suspect you have.

 

[AwildcatsZ]

How big is the torch?

It is a nice size...I hate to see it go, but I also would rather save problems down the road for the rest of the tank.

There are small egg clusters right at the base of every head. Its like they formed a ring around each one. I tried getting a picture but they are hard to get in focus.

 

[twilliard]

It is a nice size...I hate to see it go, but I also would rather save problems down the road for the rest of the tank.

There are small egg clusters right at the base of every head. Its like they formed a ring around each one. I tried getting a picture but they are hard to get in focus.

Oh my with the visible eggs at each head I do not have a good solution for this

 

[Lionfish Lair]

EDIT: NVM. I see what you are saying, wildcat. Answered my own question.

 

[AwildcatsZ]

Oh my with the visible eggs at each head I do not have a good solution for this

I just hope/pray I caught this soon enough and they haven't spread around the tank...

I would be destroyed if they got to my frogspawn and bubble corals...so far I cannot see any evidence that this has happened. Both seem to be open and happy. I think a quick dip for both would be good for them and for myself...

 

[twilliard]

I just hope/pray I caught this soon enough and they haven't spread around the tank...

I would be destroyed if they got to my frogspawn and bubble corals...so far I cannot see any evidence that this has happened. Both seem to be open and happy. I think a quick dip for both would be good for them and for myself...

If you are able to dip them I would. Also most all flatworm do not tolerate h2o2 well this can help aid in the removal of any flatworm.

 

[AwildcatsZ]

If you are able to dip them I would. Also most all flatworm do not tolerate h2o2 well this can help aid in the removal of any flatworm.

I have already dipped the torch coral. The thing that worries me is that the coral has been in the tank for 2 months now...and no, it was not dipped originally. I know, that is a MAJOR sin...but I did not know of coral dipping until AFTER I introduced that coral. Now I dip EVERYTHING! I am worried they have spread into the rock work and will begin to find my other Euphyllia corals.

Just a thought, but would it be smart to dip the live rock that this coral was on? My tank is still fairly new and it would be very easy for me to remove this rock and place it in a bucket with dip solution.

 

[twilliard]

I am not sure if that would be effective
With the work I have done on flatworm they are tricky and as they are poly's that is even harder as the body mass is larger.

 

[spllbnd2]

You would probably want to dip all your lr if you were to dip the rocks.

I would just keep a close eye on everything in the tank. And best practice from here on would be to dip and QT every new coral, fish etc. I learned the hard way of not having a dedicated QT tank set up dealing with wild caught zoas coming in with those nasty nudis among other issues over the years.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[Lionfish Lair]

There are a few people that have treated EEFW. These are not just "big flatworms", but are a different animal altogether and are not even from the same Phylum.

Google "Euphyllia Eating Flatworm (EEFW)"

 

[AwildcatsZ]

There are a few people that have treated EEFW. These are not just "big flatworms", but are a different animal altogether and are not even from the same Phylum.

Google "Euphyllia Eating Flatworm (EEFW)"

I have been Googling and researching these pests non stop! I am contemplating ordering Salifert Flatworm eXit. The product gets great reviews online, and is used to treat the entire tank. It says it is reef safe to corals and fish. The only thing to worry about is the toxins from the flatworms as they die off.

Does anyone have any experience with this product first hand? Was it effective?

Thank you everyone for the advice and information. It is GREATLY appreciated! This truly is a great resource and wonderful community.