Receding Leptastrea

[gflat65]

Has anyone had a Leptastrea recede slowly over months, but quite noticably? I've got a piece that I've had for two or three years that had been doing great, but over the last six months, it has lost 3+" from one edge. My tuxedo urchin have munched on monti cap (growth on overflow-not so much pieces attached to rocks and plating), and they cross the Leptastrea daily, so I thought maybe they might be munching on it, too. Are there any known pests for these guys (other than general LPS issues). This one is getting a good bit more light than any of my others, so it may be slightly more stressed to start with...

TIA

 

[GoingPostal]

Just from one edge or all around? Anything near it that could be stinging or maybe too much flow/light there? Got a pic?

 

[gflat65]

I think it likely started with the tulip anemones, but it has continued well out of their range. The white film is new, so it must be accelerating. I think I've got some Revive, so I'll give that a shot, followed by a zip through the bandsaw if it continues.

 

[Justin74]

Three possibilities come to mind. Water quality ie, alk swing or low Mg are common culprits. Next would be angles or butterfly fish, however doesnt look to be your issue. Lastly encroaching algae, in your case Calaurpa racemosa aka grape macro. VERY very toxic to these guys along with many other stoney corals both SPS and LPS, and I have had some encroach mine as well before and cause recession. There toxins are in there root system so as they encroach corals, they often kill along the way.

-Justin

 

[Justin74]

Well damn I heard you but didnt see what your talking about till a closer look!

Between the colony being surrounded by tulip anenomes and Calaurpa, this white bacterial infection should've been expected. Get rid of those guys! You'd be better served fragging the rest of it off, but that bacterial infection is a steady creeper, so you may even see some more recession even after fragging.

-Justin