Torch coral

[pgsasi]

I guys I just saw a brown fibrous thing coming out of the mouth of my torch coral. What is it? Any idea??

[Reefing Madness]

Sweeper Tentacle. He's hungry.

[chrisfont23]

I guys I just saw a brown fibrous thing coming out of the mouth of my torch coral. What is it? Any idea??

Poop.

[Reefing Madness]

Poop.

Poop? Man, I'm slipping here.

[pgsasi]

Right now I feed planktons. What else shld I be feeding them with ? And how to feed them ?? :-(

[chrisfont23]

I never fed my torch. It was too difficult. I know mysis, phyto and some of the reef nutrition stuff works from experience, but on my other corals.

[pgsasi]

Reeding Madness: I saw that brown thingy disconnect itself from the coral and went into my overflow. Is it a tentacle? Saw some YouTube videos about this too.

[kevinpo]

Hello,
This is a common occurrence for many LPS corals and is the regulation of zooxanthellae. They will expel these symbiotic algae when stressed or when there are increases in lighting intensity. These appear as long light brown (kind of snotty looking) strings. A coral that receives more light intensity than it has been exposed to previously will need to reduce the number of algae (zooxanthellae) in its tissue to prevent excessive buildup of amino acids and proteins. Excessive amounts of these can be toxic to the coral so they keep just the amount needed for nutrition. Many species of LPS coral can meet 90% of their nutritional requirements from these algae alone. They can also sting and capture zoo plankton (mainly at night in the wild). Food size for Euphyllia species is 1/8" (3.4mm) and smaller.
Clams of the Tridacna genus can also be included in this behavior of regulating zooxanthellae. It is also eaten by some species of fish.

Cheers,
Kevin

[pgsasi]

Thanks Kevin. That definitely is some knowledge I need. Cheers.