Have a hard time seeing it clearly on my phone but ostracods will look like a flea
Red Planet issue
- Thread starter Syntax1235
- Start date
OP
OP
Unfortunately not quite enough resolution. You really need to look with a regular compound microscope (on a slide) instead of a digital dissecting scope. However, it almost looks like you have a mite rather than a copepod. Intriguing, because I couldn't find anything about corallivorous mites.
The flatworm doesn't look like the typical AEFW. It appears to have a forked tail and is moving quite quickly, so I would suggest a predatory acoel flatworm. Typical AEFW look like this and tend to sit still on the coral:
(From: https://reefs.com/magazine/on-the-mucous-trail-of-coral-killers-acropora-eating-flatworms/ )
The flatworm doesn't look like the typical AEFW. It appears to have a forked tail and is moving quite quickly, so I would suggest a predatory acoel flatworm. Typical AEFW look like this and tend to sit still on the coral:
(From: https://reefs.com/magazine/on-the-mucous-trail-of-coral-killers-acropora-eating-flatworms/ )
OP
OP
In numbers they can smother a coral and block the light corals need for zooxanthellae which is their energy and building blocks
Simple removal if few is siphoning with a 3/8" tubing into a net or nylon stocking and discard
If many, wrasses such as yellow coris, lunare. 6 line and melanurus will eat them
Also a springieri damsel will eat them.
Make chemical the last option unless huge infestation as if used, you will need to siphon the tank daily to remove dead ones which can release toxins.
Lastly- Check tank daily for next 2 weeks for signs of any eggs which are really tiny. Generally eggs are laid underneath coral
OP
OP
Looks like it.... I dipped mine in Bayer for 45 minutes in a milky white solution, most died but there were a few still moving.
OP
OP
I was using my iPhone to get those videos and pictures. I'm going to get this scope:
40X to 2500X Monocular LED Compound Microscope + Slide Making Kit + 5MP Digital Eyepiece
The M620 monocular compound microscope is designed for classrooms and basic laboratory applications. It is an ideal microscope for teachers and students, including those in medical school or with a major in biology. It has a number of advancements in functionality compared to other microscopes...
amscope.com
It should do the trick. Probably a little overkill, but I've been looking for a reason to get one for a while.
Yep, sure it will be great. The difference in the one I posted is that it has a 10 inch screen so no looking through the eye piece. However, that's a nice one you're getting. Look forward to seeing what you find with it.I was using my iPhone to get those videos and pictures. I'm going to get this scope:
40X to 2500X Monocular LED Compound Microscope + Slide Making Kit + 5MP Digital Eyepiece
The M620 monocular compound microscope is designed for classrooms and basic laboratory applications. It is an ideal microscope for teachers and students, including those in medical school or with a major in biology. It has a number of advancements in functionality compared to other microscopes...
It should do the trick. Probably a little overkill, but I've been looking for a reason to get one for a while.
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2013
- Messages
- 7,572
- Reaction score
- 17,602
- Review score
- +0 /0 /-0
- Location
- Corpus Christi, TX
You really got good video of the flat worms and the black bugs. I am sorry that you got them in your tank. That is why I always QT my SPS and Clams. I don't keep much soft corals and LPS.
If it is a predatory acoel or other flatworm, it is not going to eat your corals. But it’s probably eating something else.
The reason for the high res pics is to figure out a treatment. If you know exactly what type of organism you have, you can figure out how to kill it. Otherwise, it’s just a guessing game which doesn’t seem to work well with some of the “black bugs”.
OP
OP
OP
OP
I found the culprit…. This one is black..
here’s a video: Black bug
This bug has been in a beaker for 24 hours with tank water and Bayer, and it is still alive!
here’s a video: Black bug
This bug has been in a beaker for 24 hours with tank water and Bayer, and it is still alive!
Last edited:
OP
OP
In further review, you have a marine halacarid mite.
OP
OP
The black one? What does that mean for my acros?
I purchased some tbsw live rock a couple of months ago.
Similar threads
