Zoa polyp buried over weekend.

[fdonophan]

What is the worst a zoa polyp has looked, and still pulled through?

Over the long weekend, my pistol shrimp decided my new little frag plug would make an ideal supporting wall for his cave renovations, and promptly buried the polyp side. I fished it out, and there is a tiny, pale, shapeless mass left where the polyp used to be, but I can't tell if it is enough to grow back or if it's a lost cause. It feels soft at least still, but it was buried for probably a couple days.

I know at one point my frogspawn was half buried long enough to be bleached fully white on injured half, but now it looks brand new and healthier than ever - is there any hope for my little polyp?

I don't have a way to get a good picture, but I will try before I leave today.

 

[SweesFeesh]

In the wild, zoas are actually found mostly buried in sand. Your polyp should be fine, and it will probably pull through. If you are worried and don't want it being pulled off again, super glue the frag to a rock. As long as the super glue is cyanoacrylate based, everything should be fine.

 

[650-IS350]

Put it at a spot where it can't get to it. If its not too bad and doesn't melt then it will fully recover.

 

[fdonophan]

That's encouraging, thanks!

I moved the tile to a location higher up and wedged it in a little, as I don't have the means to glue here in my office (the tank is in my office). I never see the critter climb this high, so hopefully he won't bother it.

Actually... Would it be better to have it out of the light while I wait to see if it recovers? There's a shaded spot I could wedge it as well.

(this is an ecopico with three strips of light - so it's bright but not extremely so.)

 

[650-IS350]

If its been shaded or in the dark for a long time then its good to reacclimate it back to your lighting.

 

[fdonophan]

This is what it looked like before:

and now:

I can't get any closer than that. There is just a greyish blob now. :/

 

[650-IS350]

if that zoa mat hasn't wasted away or desintegrated you still might have a chance. Just make sure you put it in a spot where it doesn't get bothered by anything, keep your tank parameters healthy and stable which would give your Z' best chance to recover. I wouldn't even think of dipping or anything as that would just further stress it out.

 

[fdonophan]

Ok, much appreciated!! I've put it in a spot where it gets low light but can't be turned into building material by the pistol shrimp, and I will keep an eye on it for changes.

Thanks again!!