I am amazed by the various approaches to treating AEFW. So what do we know
1. Little to no information published in scientific journals
A.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/mc/
B.
http://www.melevsreef.com/aefw.html
C. Amakusaplana acroporae--species name
D. Taxonomy and life history of the Acropora-eating flatworm, Amakusaplana acroporae nov. sp. (Polycladida: Prosthiostomidae) Coral Reefs 30:693"“705.
E. More anectodal reports are available through google search
F. No known natural predator of AEFW
The AEFW is small and hard to see, the eggs are smaller and harder to see. Don't know if the flatworms can float and attach to corals on a per chance basis. Assume eggs need to be near acropora and do not travel far. Eggs attach at base or on damaged coral skeleton. Assume most hobbyists don't recognize infected pieces well because of difficulty in visualizing pest or eggs. Known to infect in the native habitat (reefs). Assume wholesalers may have infestations in holding tanks. Assume most lfs will therefore have infestations. Assume likely endemic throughout hobby.
My personal assumption is Bayer is most current effective preventative dip. There are multiple formulations and many recommended dipping procedures. The least concentrated and shortest duration dip that is effective would be preferred ( don't know that info yet). Many hobbyists strongly advocate their favorite regimen but little or no evidence available to confirm. My bias has been to use fellow reefer, Flamron's dosage regimen,(
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1965880&page=27), on new frags: 1. Remove frag from plug or base rock first 2. Dip frag in "Bayer Complete Insect Killer" of 10 ml in 4 ounces of reef water for a minimum of five minutes to fifteen minutes and then thorough rinse and/or soak with reef water to avoid any Bayer contamination into tank (harmful to many tank inhabitants, fish , shrimp, and pods.) 3. then quarantine frag for a period of time. Some frags will respond adversely (RTN) particularly smooth skinned acros. Some hobbyists report success with less concentrated dips and describe flatworms detaching from acro but difficult to assess whether it is AEFW detaching or other type of benign flatworms. Eggs do not seem to be effected or killed by dip. Ideal dosage is not known, nor duration of dip time, nor if there is a better agent to be utilized.
Treatment regimens have been shared by hobbyists for an active in tank infestation of AEFW as well. An in tank infection presents extraordinary difficult treatment options. 1. Hard to see infestation on a hand held coral frag, so identifying colony infestation in the tank is much more challenging ( clues are bite marks, poor polyp extension, less healthy appearance than previously noted, visually noting worm or eggs). 2. Eggs may be in rock and likely impossible to completely locate for removal 3. The number of dips for an in tank infestation nearly impossible to predict because of reinfestation potential from eggs in rock or free floating acropora eating flatworms.
There have been a handful of reefers who have reported successful elimination of the AEFW tank infestation. Treatments described by hobbyists include using many agents, such as Revive, Bayer (multiple product variations available--unclear what active ingredient is responsible for flatworm death), levamisole, iodine, etc. Dosages and duration of treatment have varied greatly among hobbyists sharing information.
So in conclusion, this is what I believe the current status is: 1. assume new frags may have AEFW. 2. Observe and evaluate new frags. 3. Remove old plug or base. 4. Dip in Bayer (my bias) preventatively. 5. Qt all new tank inhabitants. 6. If in tank infestation--good luck. 7. like many tank infestations/plagues, other factors may play a role that are not yet understood
