Hydroids on Zoas - Identification and Potential Treatments

[ReefDreamz]

My zoas have been suffering from an infestation of what look like small white fuzz or hairs growing out of the zoa/paly tissue which sway in the water flow. I first noticed this on a few of my zoas and palys about a month ago and since then it has spread to most of my zoas/palys. It causes the zoas/palys to stay partially closed and less often fully closed. So far it has not killed any of my zoas but is very obviously irritating them. I have not tried any treatments yet. My zoas/palys are all glued to two rocks one 9"x9" and one 6"x6" so whatever dip I choose to do will take quite a bit of dip and a large container and be quite disruptive to my tank.

In doing some research on this, it seems that this is a less discussed zoa pest compared to zoa pox or zoa eating nudis/spiders yet is a relatively common problem among zoa keepers without a well documented solution. People often misidentify this as zoa pox but the consensus is that it's actually some type of hydroid. Recommended treatments and reports of success are varied but include:

1. Hydrogen peroxide dip (I've seen recommendations from 3% to 50% H2O2)
2. Fenbendazole dip (API Furan2 is no longer available but fenbendazole can be sourced although expensive)
3. Iodine dip
4. Freshwater dip
4. Brush off hydroids with a soft toothbrush
5. Scrape off hydroids with a razor blade
6. Wipe off hydroids with a Magic Eraser
7. Add more flow
8. Reduce feeding
9. Do water changes

There are accounts of each of these or combinations of these treatments working for some people and others who say the same treatment did nothing. Some people say these hydroids are nothing to worry about and go away on their own others say they are the worst pest imaginable.

Others report that the following will eat these hydroids:

Peppermint shrimp
Coral banded shrimp
Mollies
Blue Velvet Nudibranch

Has anyone had first hand experience with these? If so what was your experience and what was the outcome?

Examples of these hydroids:

 

[littlebigreef]

Kudos for doing your research. I know @Grossman90 has battled with these before and had success with the hydrogen peroxide approach. By the same token I know he's reported that they spread very easily.

Good luck in whichever approach you settle on.

 

[vetteguy53081]

My zoas have been suffering from an infestation of what look like small white fuzz or hairs growing out of the zoa/paly tissue which sway in the water flow. I first noticed this on a few of my zoas and palys about a month ago and since then it has spread to most of my zoas/palys. It causes the zoas/palys to stay partially closed and less often fully closed. So far it has not killed any of my zoas but is very obviously irritating them. I have not tried any treatments yet. My zoas/palys are all glued to two rocks one 9"x9" and one 6"x6" so whatever dip I choose to do will take quite a bit of dip and a large container and be quite disruptive to my tank.

In doing some research on this, it seems that this is a less discussed zoa pest compared to zoa pox or zoa eating nudis/spiders yet is a relatively common problem among zoa keepers without a well documented solution. People often misidentify this as zoa pox but the consensus is that it's actually some type of hydroid. Recommended treatments and reports of success are varied but include:

1. Hydrogen peroxide dip (I've seen recommendations from 3% to 50% H2O2)
2. Fenbendazole dip (API Furan2 is no longer available but fenbendazole can be sourced although expensive)
3. Iodine dip
4. Freshwater dip
4. Brush off hydroids with a soft toothbrush
5. Scrape off hydroids with a razor blade
6. Wipe off hydroids with a Magic Eraser
7. Add more flow
8. Reduce feeding
9. Do water changes

There are accounts of each of these or combinations of these treatments working for some people and others who say the same treatment did nothing. Some people say these hydroids are nothing to worry about and go away on their own others say they are the worst pest imaginable.

Others report that the following will eat these hydroids:

Peppermint shrimp
Coral banded shrimp
Mollies
Blue Velvet Nudibranch

Has anyone had first hand experience with these? If so what was your experience and what was the outcome?

Examples of these hydroids:

You have an infestation and just directing water flow towards them will prevent them from getting food why they have multiplied to begin with.
Dipping in iodine May work but no guarantee

 

[Patx]

@ReefDreamz how it goes ?
I got some too, I just do a revive and a peroxyde dip.

 

[ReefDreamz]

It took months but these went away on their own. I didn't do any dipping or anything. I did lose some zoa frags to this but the ones that remained are totally fine now and growing. I've since added new frags and they've mostly all done fine

 

[Patx]

Great!

Peroxyde did the job (at least for now)
I stop broadcast feeding powder too...

 

[pochaxoo]

I have a horrible infestation of these on many of my rocks. I dipped about 15 zoa frags today and we will see how it goes tommorrow. I don't know what to do about the infestion on the much larger rock scape, the zoas are super annoyed and get killed off by these Hydroids. I also in convinced their sting is a bit nasty, I am wearing gloves from here on out with these guys.

 

[PocketGoose]

The only reason I’ll keep an emerald crab is these guys. They haven’t failed me yet..

 

[wattson]

matted file fish, get the tiniest one you can buy..
I had this hydroid issue and the matted filefish took care of them and the aptasia too.