Black Bugs on Torch Coral?

[BetterJake]

Check out the video I took below. This torch has been unhappy for a while and seems to have very tiny black bugs crawling all over it. I know black/red bugs are a thing with SPS coral but I cannot find much about something like this on an LPS/Torch coral.

Anyone with ideas on what these are and how to treat?

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Check out the video I took below. This torch has been unhappy for a while and seems to have very tiny black bugs crawling all over it. I know black/red bugs are a thing with SPS coral but I cannot find much about something like this on an LPS/Torch coral.

Anyone with ideas on what these are and how to treat?

Some of the parasitic pod species (like red bugs) can be found on torch corals - Xarifia gracilipes, is one known example:

I can see the video - I'd assume those are "Black Bugs" (yes, that's the hobby common name for them); they're parasitic copepods:

Yeah, white bugs, red bugs, black bugs, etc. (coral-parasitic pods) will almost exclusively be found on their host corals. For more info on these and for some closer up pics/drawings:

Aquarium Corals: Stony Coral Parasites: Red and Black Bugs: Identification Guide, Preventive Measures, and a Review of Treatment Protocols

This article is but a small tool for use by serious hobbyists in answering many questions.

reefs.com

Aquarium Corals: Stony Coral Parasites, Part Two: Copepods: Family Xarifiidae

Dana continues last month's discussion about copepods.

reefs.com

https://av.tib.eu/media/55499

 

[vetteguy53081]

Check out the video I took below. This torch has been unhappy for a while and seems to have very tiny black bugs crawling all over it. I know black/red bugs are a thing with SPS coral but I cannot find much about something like this on an LPS/Torch coral.

Anyone with ideas on what these are and how to treat?

Black bugs are a whole different species and battle. They feed on the tissue of smooth skinned acro corals and while most dont kill coral, its their growth and reproduction rate thats an issue. They are a type of copepod bug and yes interceptor pill crushed is often a solution to knocking them down.
Do realize interceptor can and will likely kill inverts, crabs-shrimps-pods and I therefore recommend removing all inverts OR treat the coral in a separate tank without inverts and will also reduce amount of the interceptor needed.
Treat 3 times a week for 3 weeks at 25mg per 20 gallons of water. Each pill needs to be ground up with a hammer and should treat about 400 gal. Do application initially. About 8 hours later, add another. Then blow the coral GENTLY with a turkey baster and 8 hours later add another dosage. DO NOT repeat until day 7 doing another 3 treatments every 8 hours.
REMOVE CARBON AND TURN OFF ANY UV STERILIZERS AND SKIMMER UNITS.
Each 7 day periods, do a water change and siphon surfaces.

1. You need the 51-100lb (23mg) plain interceptor (not plus)
2. 1 pill per 100g at a minimum
3. Treat every week for 3 weeks