Help- blotchy discoloration on my Cap-Help

[springeri]

Has this happened to you guys? If anyone knows what's going on please let me know.

My cap (strongetst) of all my sps has always kept a consistent solid color. Just tonight i've see blotches of lighter to darker shades in a blotchy pattern. I hope these images can show you what before and afters looks like.

first picture was taken last week when the coral was doing fine.

second picture shows the blotchy discoloration.

All the other corals are doing great. Please advise if you know anything.

Calcium 440
alk 10-11
Mg?
Iodine?

 

[marine_freak]

I would check for AEFW or red bugs.... any new additions to your tank recently????

 

[clkwrk]

neither one of those pest bug montis.......If looking for a pest that may cause what is pictures look for the monti nudis.

 

[springeri]

I haven't seen an nudi, red bugs, or Flat worms in the tank. I tried taken a powerhead and put the flow directly over the cap to see if any would fly out, but no sign of anything.

It's really odd. All my other caps are doing great. I have many other encrusting montis and they are doing excellent as well.

I' will double check again for pest tonight when I get home from work.

Probably will do another water change tonight and more water testing.


I did put in a couple of new frags last friday that I got from Tong's.

 

[sharkdude]

if my monti cap can reocver from this urchin grazing at beginning of year:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/496737747/1496743300040076581sMumpF#

to this just a few days ago:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/550176663/2783697020040076581WtlqQp#

yours should be fine so long as no monti nudis.

I have seen the asterina mini stars on mine ocassionally, and they sometimes leave small blotchy spots where they have grazed, but quick recovery by coral.

 

[SBJim]

I've gotten white spots when (1) bits of salt creep fell into the tank without my notice and landed on the caps, and (2) when some debris collected and was not blown off (I was away for the wknd).

In both cases, the cap recovered just fine. Don't know if your issue relates to either of these situations.

 

[GTR]

Try to look at the undersides for signs of tissue lose. Nudi's will start there and work their way to the tops most times. I'm sure your sight is better than mine but just blowing them off in-tank I'd never see them.

It's not likely that the nudi would come in on anything other than a Monti but any new addition would have the potential to bring one in.

Also any rapid change in light could change coloration as could a sudden rise or drop in nutrient levels. Not all parts of the colony would necessarily react to those changes at the same time.
SteveU