SPS keeper assistance please.

This has happened twice previously in as many months. Both times it occurred to my Hyacanthius. Small portions of the coral found completely eaten, clean. Both times the acropora healed and new tissue grew back over the exposed skeleton. I have been growing this frag out from what was a 1/4 inch piece. Extremely frustrating and disappointing. It happens at night and quickly.

Any ideas on a possible cause is appreciated. It is not AEFW, and both corals are in close proximity to each other. :-/

If it was parameter issue the coral would not display good PE and be otherwise healthy.

 

Are you sure it's not RTN? Is there ever any tissue "flapping in the breeze" or is the tissue really completely picked clean?

 

What other corals and/or animals do you have nearby?

That is really weird.

 

Nope, no tissue left along the margins, or appearance that tissue is sloughing off. Same with the last two episodes. Just gone, stark white.

No majano or aiptasia, no lps. The only corals even close are a Valida and the Hyacanthius.

Both incidence have occurred since my Stomatella population exploded. I have seen a worm in that area at night. Not sure on the type yet but that has been many many months.

No new additions in 3 months.

 

I might put my money down on that worm. Or even a possible hitch hiking snail or a snail sold to you in a bunch and mistakenly sent as the wrong thing?

Coral Diseases and Parasites

Not sure if you have any of those snails.

 

I doubt the stomatella are the cause, the worm on the other hand could be a suspect.

How is the flow at the base of the coral?

 

I'm thinking it is some type of parasite.

 

What other corals do you have in the tank? Mushrooms?

 

Cheryl,

I think you need to hit the craft store to pick up some red cellophane to rubberband onto the front of your flashlight. I'm thinking you might have a Eunice worm. Pick up a mucho grande latte as well.

 

LOL. I agree on the worm thought, does he match the description here;
Project Reef Tank » Eunice Worm – Terror in the Tank