Need advice. Polyps extending stringy stuff

[dean1977]

Can someone tell me why many of my acros are extending stringy stuff from the polyps. It looks like the stuff the stings other invading corals when their too close. The corals are well spaced. I was looking for some ideas or experience.

 

[Islander84]

sounds like something is stressing them. have you had any big changes in your tank...dosing anything new, change in salt, temp swing, feeding...

 

[allsps40]

Some of my sps do thing when I feed.

 

[dean1977]

My tank has been pretty stable. I have seen my corals throw out feeders before but this is most of the day. Would GFO do this or a pest?

 

[myzislow]

The stringy polyps are called mesenterial filaments and there can be a variety of reasons why corals extend them. Most of the time it's stress related, but like allsps40 said, it can happen when feeding heavily as well or even when corals are battling each other. Sometimes my corals will do it if I'm messing around in the tank for too long. If the coral is otherwise healthy and the system stable then I wouldnt worry too much about it. It's time to get concerned when the coral does it for days on end and it leads to recession or burnt tips

 

[ChicagoReefOne]

The stringy polyps are called mesenterial filaments and there can be a variety of reasons why corals extend them. Most of the time it's stress related, but like allsps40 said, it can happen when feeding heavily as well or even when corals are battling each other. Sometimes my corals will do it if I'm messing around in the tank for too long. If the coral is otherwise healthy and the system stable then I wouldnt worry too much about it. It's time to get concerned when the coral does it for days on end and it leads to recession or burnt tips

+1--this is exactly what I was going to say. And this is probably whatcha got.

 

[James404]

If its not shortly after feeding, likely from stress. I would do a revive or coralrx dip and check for AEFW. I had the same issues and couldn't figure it out for a while, turned out AEFW.

 

[dean1977]

Thanks guys. I'm kind of suspecting flatworms. I thought maybe my pair of melanurus wrasses would take care of them but maybe not.

 

[somethingphishy]

several of mine do respond that way if I add amino acids but only for a few minutes...so yours do it all the time?

 

[dean1977]

It's not all the time and somedays are worse than others for unknown reasons. I do add amino acids regularly but have skipped a few doses in last 2-3 weeks. That makes me think now too.