Sick Neon Green Sinularia?

[Piazzon12]

I've had this guy for over six months. Over the last two months his polyp extension has decreased to almost nothing and the base has been receeding. I'm quite sure that it's not the normal wax/shed of a sarco. The brown around the base has always somewhat been there, but it could be the problem. I tried wiping it with a wet paper towel but it's seems attached (not jelly). It seems like he started declining after changing out for fresh bulbs, but I've made so many changes at the same time, who knows. Everything else, including tons of leathers, are fine. I tried moving him down into a lower light/ lower flow area but it doesnt seem to have helped. Should I frag it? move it again? I'm really not sure and don't want to lose this guy!
Thanks for your help.
Adam

 

[nwrogers]

I would move it away from those zoos and see if it improves over the next week. That may not be it but I know zoos have one of the most potent neurotoxins found anywhere on earth and they may be irritating the leather. The toxin they have is called palytoxin and even in small quantities can be fatal if ingested or if it gets into your blood stream and there is no known cure for it. Just one possibility. Are you running carbon?

Even thought it may not be directly related to your question here are a few interesting links about palytoxin…

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=158663

http://www.asanltr.com/newsletter/02-2/articles/Neurotoxins.htm

http://www.fishtanksandponds.info/live-stock/marine-inverts/zoanthids.htm

 

[drbronx]

I agree with Nate's reccomendation. However it looks necrotic at the base possibly due to bacterial proliferation. If after moving it away from the zoos and it doesn't improve, I would suggest cutting off the healthy part of the nepthia and remounting it. Good luck.

 

[nwrogers]

I would go with what Jerry says too. He is the expert on soft corals around these parts. Maybe do both and see how it turns out.

 

[Piazzon12]

In it's original spot it had pretty good spacing and was only near other leathers, so I'm going to frag it. Question is one cut or two. I'll definately cut it at the base, removing the necrosis tissue, but could I also cut it down the middle, or will that stress it too much? I'm thinking/hoping a better chance for one of two to survive??

 

[drbronx]

For now I would just cut off the base and remount it on a new piece of rock. Nepthias are a bit tricky to frag. you can use either the toothpick and rubberband method or wedding vail. i have some if you need. Super glue won't work on nepthias.