The Zoa / Amphipod Battle

[CalmSeasQuest]

I have watched while gangs of very large Amphipods attacks and consume the skirts of seemingly otherwise healthy Zoas. I know the debate about perhaps they are only eating those Zoas that are dying - but I see no signs of distress (prior to being eaten of course.)

I understand that eventually the Amphipod population will decrease on it's own - but I'm worried it won't be until after all the Zoas are gone. My challenge is, I need a way to control the Amphipod population without negatively impacting the Copepods (I have a happy and healthy Mandarin.)

It seems my only option would be a something to predate on the Amphipods, I know a wrasse would help, but wouldn't it also out-compete the Mandarin for Copepods?

Has anyone else found a solution to this problem? and if so, is there a specific species of Wrasse (or anything else) that would be best suited?

I initially posted this in the discussion area, but thought maybe one of you "Zoa Gurus" may have a solution - Thanks for your input!

 

[650-IS350]

Try a yellow coris, seagrass wrasse, leopard, line wrasses. They'lll make a quick dent in the population real quick.

I have a mystery, leopard, Yellow coris and red fairy wrasses, royal gamma.... pods don't live long in my tank.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Try a yellow coris, seagrass wrasse, leopard, line wrasses. They'lll make a quick dent in the population real quick.

I have a mystery, leopard, Yellow coris and red fairy wrasses, royal gamma.... pods don't live long in my tank.

But won't they wipe out the Copepods as well? - I'm concerned about my Mandarin starving. I haven't been able to get him to eat anything other than pods.

I'm hoping to find something that will only eat the larger Amphipods and not bother with the tiny Copepods.

Thanks!

 

[650-IS350]

Maybe a royal gamma?

 

[SIR PATRICK]

PJ cardinals work great too.

 

[joelsaxton]

I got a clown goby and in a matter of days it wiped out my amphipod population in my pico tank.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

I got a clown goby and in a matter of days it wiped out my amphipod population in my pico tank.

It looks like a Goby might be a great choice - It appears they eat Amphipods, but may not be interested in Copepods. I'll have to do some more research, and then decide on a specific Goby- Thanks Joel :thumbsup: