Hi everyone,
I'm having some concern with a zoanthid I'm keeping.
I have read Eric Borneman's online article at Aquarium.net about zoanthids:
http://www.aquarium.net/0198/0198_1.shtml
The problem is that this zoanthid started to close some polyps about 4 days ago, I first thought it was because the cleaner shrimps where walking over it, but a little group of polyps stayed closed.
When the polyps are closed, you can see white things that look like small protuberances (please see pic below).
From what I read on the above article, my guess is it could be the bacterial due to maybe coral handling (I have been moving them this week)
quote:
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In terms of disease, zoanthids are quite sturdy animals. They may succumb to jelly-type infections, especially if a polyp are colony area has been subjected to injury. There is also a common ailment that affects zoanthids that appears as a white cheesy growth usually seen on the outside of the polps stalk. This area is most likely a microorganism, though I have not seen any mention of what or if it has been identified. This should be a relatively easy process. The result of this infection is that the polyps becomes very soft and deteriorates entirely. It can continue to spread to nearby polyps, the entire colony, and even other colonies in the aquarium. This particular type infection seems specific to zoanthids, and neighboring colonies may react adversely when such a situation is occurring within a tank, even if they are not directly affected. The communication of individuals within a colony is sometimes eerie, as the stolons ( through either ring canal systems or other intercommunicative structures) act like rapid telephone transfer, alerting the entire colony that something is amiss. The result is a colony that remains totally or partially closed even when a few lone individuals are affected. This behavior is also seen when certain polyps are exposed to noxious stimuli or injury. Freshwater dips, brief iodine dips as outlined in numerous articles and resources, and the topical application of a fairly insoluble antibiotic paste such as Erythromycin may be the treatment of choice for such infections. It would be ideal to treat any bacterial infection with a stronger antibiotic topical paste, such as Neomycin or Kanamycin in a hospital tank. Removal of the potentially contagious infection from the tank is but an added benefit to the entire system.
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Sounds like my case, but I wanted to ask you to be sure.
Anyone had this before, or can confirm it?
The pics below show the coral with closed polyps (before the MH go on) so you can see the white protuberances on the polyps.
My idea is to do a freshwater dip to see if it improves, if not, then I'm going to give it an antibiotic bath, will have to see what I have at home. What do you think?
Thanks for the help
Joaco



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