Pest on my new zoa frag?

[BarryBenthic]

I tried looking to see if this has been described elsewhere but maybe I am not calling it right. I fed my Zoas for the first time and when they closed up I saw what looks like some sort of worm.

Am I crazy? Also there is this one singular hair like maybe algae growing as well. Does anyone know what these are?

 

[BarryBenthic]

Came back at night for a better look and its slightly hard to tell from the picture but it has a blue head on the right side with stuff going on. Is it a whorl or teeth or polyps I do not know. It does not seem to be moving from that spot so maybe have time to do something but really want to know is this something harmful or not?

 

[BarryBenthic]

@ISpeakForTheSeas sorry I realize I should have used the hitchhiker ID forum. Am I looking at a tanaid?

 

[tampabayreefer]

It looks like a small bristle, have you tried dipping the coral? If not I would take it out, dip the coral ( I use dip x personally ) and see if it comes off.

 

[BarryBenthic]

It looks like a small bristle, have you tried dipping the coral? If not I would take it out, dip the coral ( I use dip x personally ) and see if it comes off.

I will try some dip x, there is no reason to believe this could be positive right?

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

@ISpeakForTheSeas sorry I realize I should have used the hitchhiker ID forum. Am I looking at a tanaid?

I can't see the critter clearly enough to say for sure, but if it has two little claws like a crab by its head, then maybe. I'd see if you can get it in a container of tank water for closer inspection.

I will try some dip x, there is no reason to believe this could be positive right?

Tanaids or similar pods wouldn't really be harmful; they're basically either CUC or just prey on smaller pods. Personally, I think tanaids and such are pretty neat (like tiny mantis shrimp), and I know someone on the forum was asking around today trying to get their hands on some to keep in a pico tank.