Zoas and feather duster

Luke B · Jan 2, 2022

I’ve got a Zoa frag in my nano that was thriving until a couple weeks ago. Noticed the colour became dull and they weren’t opening as full as normal. Been away for a week and when I got back yesterday they we’re really not looking in good condition. I noticed a feather duster worm or 2 on the zoas. Could this be the cause for the issues theyve had and if so how do I remove it?
my other zoa frag is right next to this one and is still doing really well. The feather duster is all I can think of that could be causing the issue.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Jan 2, 2022

Its hard for me to beleive that a feather duster is bothering it, feather dusters are harmless. Usually I try to leave unhappy corals alone for months before deciding to move them.

I would suggest to try to get a pic of the feather duster so that people can ID it for you, and also a pic of the zoa's so that people might have idea's of whats happening.

shakacuz · Jan 2, 2022

could be a nutrient issue. zoa's are generally very hardy but do sometimes "melt".

Luke B · Jan 2, 2022

LordofCinder said:
Its hard for me to beleive that a feather duster is bothering it, feather dusters are harmless. Usually I try to leave unhappy corals alone for months before deciding to move them.

I would suggest to try to get a pic of the feather duster so that people can ID it for you, and also a pic of the zoa's so that people might have idea's of whats happening.

Thanks I’ll try get one in the morning

Luke B · Jan 2, 2022

shakacuz said:
could be a nutrient issue. zoa's are generally very hardy but do sometimes "melt".

Surely a nutrient issue would impact the other zoa frag I have as well?

shakacuz · Jan 2, 2022

Luke B said:
Surely a nutrient issue would impact the other zoa frag I have as well?

absolutely! however, i believe some zoas are more likely to react to nutrient swings more than others.

Reef Jockey · Jan 2, 2022

Likely not an issue with the feather duster. This zoa colony used to have one feather duster smack in the middle and now i've just noticed two. This colony has doubled in size since. I only see the small feather duster when the zoa polyps are slightly closed so not very often are they seen.
I think it's a captain hook zoa but could be wrong if anyone can correct me.