Mantle muncher?

[Chris Lakies]

I have a gold crocea about 1.5" - 2". Recently I have noticed that on one side of his mantle (around the edge) looks like bites have been taken out. He is still fully extending his mantle and is growing. I will try to get a picture tonight. I have a Scopas tang, Orange spot Rabbitfish, Manderin, Shrimp goby, 2 Royal Urchins, small Red linkia star, 2 cadinals, 2 Emeralds, and that is it. Could it be some sort of bacteria eating the mantle? I also have a 6" Squamosa that is doing great no signs of problems.

 

[brianlena2000]

I would keep an eye on your emerald crabs. I have read a few reports of them damaging clams. Here is one of them:

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12677&highlight=Emerald+crab

 

[Chris Lakies]

Here is a pic:

 

[brianlena2000]

Yup. Someone took some bites out of that mantle. Out of your list of inhabitants I would suspect the emeralds. It should grow back though.

Best of luck.

 

[Lunchbucket]

get that clams away from that apitasia!!!

Lunchbucket