One polyp in zoa colony twice the size of others

Discussion in 'Coral Health' started by Aqualung, Dec 18, 2008.

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  1. Aqualung

    Aqualung Stylophora

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    I've noticed that one of my colonies of zoas has 2 polyp that is about twice the size of others when closed.. I hope this isn't a sign of a parasite. Anyone experience this?
     
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  3. PharmrJohn

    PharmrJohn The Dude

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    I have quite a few polyps that are several times the size of their counterparts located on the same rock. Different species I would presume. In fact, I figure I have four different species on that particular rock.
     
  4. Aqualung

    Aqualung Stylophora

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    Hey thanks man.. sorry your sick.. yeah these are all the same species (oreo zoas.. looked em up). There's one polyp, and it's almost three times the others. I lost a few polyps, due to what I think was a snail knocking my yellow polyp frag into it. The ones that died had coraline on them, but they seem to slowly come back, a few I thought were dead opened a little.. they were missing some tentacles. so I'm expecting a full recovery.
     
  5. Screwtape

    Screwtape Tonozukai Fairy Wrasse

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    The larger ones could just be older, maybe the original source of the colony/frag for example, or maybe they get the best light/most favorable current or something like that. I'm no expert by any means but I wouldn't worry about it unless I saw the polyps not opening for long periods of time, or maybe changing colors or actually physically looking "bad" in some way.
    I also have some colonies with some polyps that are quite a bit bigger than the rest. Especially with zoas which are generally one of the hardier things that exist in my tank, I'm not going to worry about it.

    Also I wouldn't ever call a zoanthid "dead" until I can't actually see it anymore and my water/light is still good, I've gotten some torn up polyps on some of the frags I've bought and I"ve never seen one actually disappear/die, they always pull through, heal up and grow out into a full polyp. ;D
     
  6. suckafish

    suckafish Montipora Capricornis

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    that would be my guess of whats happening. if they are opening and looking good dont worry to much


    i some get stuck in corner that i couldnt get to, and those poor little guy shrank into nothing.:(
     
  7. morau89

    morau89 Fire Shrimp

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    Some of mine look bigger too. I think that the bigger ones are just in a better spot to catch food.
     
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  9. Aqualung

    Aqualung Stylophora

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    Cool thanks guys. The busted up polyps seem to be recovering well, I also found an asterina star in my tank a few days ago.. so eighter my yellow polyp stung them or the asterina may have gotten them.