Acropora burrowing amphipods

[ellisbart]

Around 4 months ago, one of my Acropora (Acropora gemmifera) that was previously doing incredibly well suddenly lost its shine and spiralled into a decline of health that subsequently led to its death around 2 months ago. The cause, to my shock, was a species of amphipod. I am unsure of the species. However, it is most certainly different from the amphipods regularly observed in the hobby.

Acropora gemmifera (before and after)

They appeared to be nocturnal; hence, all footage was recorded at night with a flashlight. I observed a burrowing behaviour in which the burrow was created directly beneath the lowest point of coral encrustation. Over the course of 4 months or so of observation, it was hard to decipher whether they were inherently Acroporid pests - their behaviour involved repeatedly running over the coral tissue, sometimes following a perfect line before reversing the same path back into the burrow. Corals responded with very limited or no polyp extension, and a thinning of tissue close to the burrow, which continued to expand further up the corals, promoting recession. I did observe what could be the consumption of coral tissue but couldn't confirm bite marks. Therefore, I think the persistent irritation of these pests caused the damage and tissue loss rather than them actively consuming coral tissue. The only time I witnessed what could potentially be coral tissue consumption is videoed above where an amphipod can be seen in the centre of the coral (shortly before the coral completely stn'd). There appeared to be two adults and many transparent juveniles at varying stages of maturity. Oddly, I observed this exact behaviour (two adults and many juveniles) amongst another Acropora colony (Acropora anthocercis) almost immediately after the death of the initially infested Acropora gemmifera.

Acropora anthocercis - (during amphipod infestation) and amphipod comparison

Within the 4 months of dealing with these pests, I tried a few treatments. Initially, I tried filling in the burrow with super glue - they seemingly recreated the burrow in the exact same position (This is also the point where I managed to obtain a specimen for photographing - seen above). I also tried milbemycin oxime treatments that have previously worked for treating ‘white bugs’, reaching a concentration of 18.75mg in 63 US gallons. Surprisingly, this treatment did not work against these amphipods despite killing all other copepod species. (Note - regular or common amphipods also didn’t die).

Upon scrolling Andrew Sandler’s polo reef Facebook forum, I came across a post that pointed me in the direction of a product called debug. The product, formulated and sold by collectors coral’s Anand Kaimal, is a plant based oil blend solution advertised to eliminate all pod species. And so it did. Following Anand's guidance, the parasitic amphipods succumbed to the first treatment a few days after the initial dosage.

Fortunately my Acropora anthocercis survived the amphipods, likely due to the increased surface area that comes with being a small colony, rather than an easily overwhelmed frag like the Acropora gemmifera. The recessed base above the amphipod burrow now has a growth rim for the first time since the amphipods encountered this coral.

I wanted to make this post since I initially felt lost to find nothing of the sort previously documented on any forum I have searched, and since finding a viable solution to the issue, I thought it deserved a post in case it is to help other reefers in the future should they encounter this or a similar issue, and or to identify this species of amphipod - pod specialists welcome!

Happy reefing

 

[Tahoe61]

Interceptor.

 

[ellisbart]

Intercept

not too sure if you read the post

 

[Red_Beard]

Around 4 months ago, one of my Acropora (Acropora gemmifera) that was previously doing incredibly well suddenly lost its shine and spiralled into a decline of health that subsequently led to its death around 2 months ago. The cause, to my shock, was a species of amphipod. I am unsure of the species. However, it is most certainly different from the amphipods regularly observed in the hobby.

Acropora gemmifera (before and after)

They appeared to be nocturnal; hence, all footage was recorded at night with a flashlight. I observed a burrowing behaviour in which the burrow was created directly beneath the lowest point of coral encrustation. Over the course of 4 months or so of observation, it was hard to decipher whether they were inherently Acroporid pests - their behaviour involved repeatedly running over the coral tissue, sometimes following a perfect line before reversing the same path back into the burrow. Corals responded with very limited or no polyp extension, and a thinning of tissue close to the burrow, which continued to expand further up the corals, promoting recession. I did observe what could be the consumption of coral tissue but couldn't confirm bite marks. Therefore, I think the persistent irritation of these pests caused the damage and tissue loss rather than them actively consuming coral tissue. The only time I witnessed what could potentially be coral tissue consumption is videoed above where an amphipod can be seen in the centre of the coral (shortly before the coral completely stn'd). There appeared to be two adults and many transparent juveniles at varying stages of maturity. Oddly, I observed this exact behaviour (two adults and many juveniles) amongst another Acropora colony (Acropora anthocercis) almost immediately after the death of the initially infested Acropora gemmifera.

Acropora anthocercis - (during amphipod infestation) and amphipod comparison

Within the 4 months of dealing with these pests, I tried a few treatments. Initially, I tried filling in the burrow with super glue - they seemingly recreated the burrow in the exact same position (This is also the point where I managed to obtain a specimen for photographing - seen above). I also tried milbemycin oxime treatments that have previously worked for treating ‘white bugs’, reaching a concentration of 18.75mg in 63 US gallons. Surprisingly, this treatment did not work against these amphipods despite killing all other copepod species. (Note - regular or common amphipods also didn’t die).

Upon scrolling Andrew Sandler’s polo reef Facebook forum, I came across a post that pointed me in the direction of a product called debug. The product, formulated and sold by collectors coral’s Anand Kaimal, is a plant based oil blend solution advertised to eliminate all pod species. And so it did. Following Anand's guidance, the parasitic amphipods succumbed to the first treatment a few days after the initial dosage.

Fortunately my Acropora anthocercis survived the amphipods, likely due to the increased surface area that comes with being a small colony, rather than an easily overwhelmed frag like the Acropora gemmifera. The recessed base above the amphipod burrow now has a growth rim for the first time since the amphipods encountered this coral.

I wanted to make this post since I initially felt lost to find nothing of the sort previously documented on any forum I have searched, and since finding a viable solution to the issue, I thought it deserved a post in case it is to help other reefers in the future should they encounter this or a similar issue, and or to identify this species of amphipod - pod specialists welcome!

Happy reefing

Thank you for sharing!

 

[DanyL]

I observed these recently in my Acropora quarantine tank, running over their tissue like you described.
Not sure if they are the same species, but I included some photos, so you can decide for yourself.
I was able to physically remove them using some SMD soldering tweezers under a microscope, with no apparent return.

 

[Tahoe61]

not too sure if you read the post

Amphipods and other pod types feed on decaying coral tissue. Cause and causation perhaps?
Is there a suggestion that this type of Amphipod is new to the hobby or resistant to conventional treatments?
Was the typical medication used to treat red bugs, black bugs....expired?
So many variables.

I appreciate the observations, and information, attention to detail.

Unrealistically perhaps it just seems like this Acropora pest would have been identified previously. We shall see.

 

[DanyL]

Amphipods and other pod types feed on decaying coral tissue. Cause and causation perhaps?
Is there a suggestion that this type of Amphipod is new to the hobby or resistant to conventional treatments?
Was the typical medication used to treat red bugs, black bugs....expired?
So many variables.

I appreciate the observations, and information, attention to detail.

Unrealistically perhaps it just seems like this Acropora pest would have been identified previously. We shall see.

To my knowledge, there are known Isopods that are corallivores.
When I found mine, I thought they were Isopods tbh - but I'm quite bad at identifying pods.

 

[ellisbart]

Amphipods and other pod types feed on decaying coral tissue. Cause and causation perhaps?
Is there a suggestion that this type of Amphipod is new to the hobby or resistant to conventional treatments?
Was the typical medication used to treat red bugs, black bugs....expired?
So many variables.

I appreciate the observations, and information, attention to detail.

Unrealistically perhaps it just seems like this Acropora pest would have been identified previously. We shall see.

Many do, but this is certainly not what I have observed in my case with this species. Anecdotally proven by the recovery and basal growth I am now seeing on the affected anthocercis, now that they are gone.

I doubt that this species is new to the hobby, but I haven't seen anything similar across the forums. Since all amphipod species I have didn't die in the milbemycin oxime treatment, I'm suggesting that this treatment is likely ineffective against amphipods in general.

 

[ellisbart]

I observed these recently in my Acropora quarantine tank, running over their tissue like you described.
Not sure if they are the same species, but I included some photos, so you can decide for yourself.
I was able to physically remove them using some SMD soldering tweezers under a microscope, with no apparent return.

Super interesting. They certainly look different to the species I experienced but no critter running around your corals is good news! Nice photos, glad you've managed to rid them.

 

[ellisbart]

Around 4 months ago, one of my Acropora (Acropora gemmifera) that was previously doing incredibly well suddenly lost its shine and spiralled into a decline of health that subsequently led to its death around 2 months ago. The cause, to my shock, was a species of amphipod. I am unsure of the species. However, it is most certainly different from the amphipods regularly observed in the hobby.

Acropora gemmifera (before and after)

They appeared to be nocturnal; hence, all footage was recorded at night with a flashlight. I observed a burrowing behaviour in which the burrow was created directly beneath the lowest point of coral encrustation. Over the course of 4 months or so of observation, it was hard to decipher whether they were inherently Acroporid pests - their behaviour involved repeatedly running over the coral tissue, sometimes following a perfect line before reversing the same path back into the burrow. Corals responded with very limited or no polyp extension, and a thinning of tissue close to the burrow, which continued to expand further up the corals, promoting recession. I did observe what could be the consumption of coral tissue but couldn't confirm bite marks. Therefore, I think the persistent irritation of these pests caused the damage and tissue loss rather than them actively consuming coral tissue. The only time I witnessed what could potentially be coral tissue consumption is videoed above where an amphipod can be seen in the centre of the coral (shortly before the coral completely stn'd). There appeared to be two adults and many transparent juveniles at varying stages of maturity. Oddly, I observed this exact behaviour (two adults and many juveniles) amongst another Acropora colony (Acropora anthocercis) almost immediately after the death of the initially infested Acropora gemmifera.

Acropora anthocercis - (during amphipod infestation) and amphipod comparison

Within the 4 months of dealing with these pests, I tried a few treatments. Initially, I tried filling in the burrow with super glue - they seemingly recreated the burrow in the exact same position (This is also the point where I managed to obtain a specimen for photographing - seen above). I also tried milbemycin oxime treatments that have previously worked for treating ‘white bugs’, reaching a concentration of 18.75mg in 63 US gallons. Surprisingly, this treatment did not work against these amphipods despite killing all other copepod species. (Note - regular or common amphipods also didn’t die).

Upon scrolling Andrew Sandler’s polo reef Facebook forum, I came across a post that pointed me in the direction of a product called debug. The product, formulated and sold by collectors coral’s Anand Kaimal, is a plant based oil blend solution advertised to eliminate all pod species. And so it did. Following Anand's guidance, the parasitic amphipods succumbed to the first treatment a few days after the initial dosage.

Fortunately my Acropora anthocercis survived the amphipods, likely due to the increased surface area that comes with being a small colony, rather than an easily overwhelmed frag like the Acropora gemmifera. The recessed base above the amphipod burrow now has a growth rim for the first time since the amphipods encountered this coral.

I wanted to make this post since I initially felt lost to find nothing of the sort previously documented on any forum I have searched, and since finding a viable solution to the issue, I thought it deserved a post in case it is to help other reefers in the future should they encounter this or a similar issue, and or to identify this species of amphipod - pod specialists welcome!

Happy reefing

Uploaded video to youtube incase they arent working on the post -

 

[bubbgee]

I am dosing debug also. I dont have any evidence of bugs, but I lose a frag or two from time to time and I bought a lot of maricultured frags so I am not taking any chances.

 

[Biff0rz]

Around 4 months ago, one of my Acropora (Acropora gemmifera) that was previously doing incredibly well suddenly lost its shine and spiralled into a decline of health that subsequently led to its death around 2 months ago. The cause, to my shock, was a species of amphipod. I am unsure of the species. However, it is most certainly different from the amphipods regularly observed in the hobby.

Acropora gemmifera (before and after)

They appeared to be nocturnal; hence, all footage was recorded at night with a flashlight. I observed a burrowing behaviour in which the burrow was created directly beneath the lowest point of coral encrustation. Over the course of 4 months or so of observation, it was hard to decipher whether they were inherently Acroporid pests - their behaviour involved repeatedly running over the coral tissue, sometimes following a perfect line before reversing the same path back into the burrow. Corals responded with very limited or no polyp extension, and a thinning of tissue close to the burrow, which continued to expand further up the corals, promoting recession. I did observe what could be the consumption of coral tissue but couldn't confirm bite marks. Therefore, I think the persistent irritation of these pests caused the damage and tissue loss rather than them actively consuming coral tissue. The only time I witnessed what could potentially be coral tissue consumption is videoed above where an amphipod can be seen in the centre of the coral (shortly before the coral completely stn'd). There appeared to be two adults and many transparent juveniles at varying stages of maturity. Oddly, I observed this exact behaviour (two adults and many juveniles) amongst another Acropora colony (Acropora anthocercis) almost immediately after the death of the initially infested Acropora gemmifera.

Acropora anthocercis - (during amphipod infestation) and amphipod comparison

Within the 4 months of dealing with these pests, I tried a few treatments. Initially, I tried filling in the burrow with super glue - they seemingly recreated the burrow in the exact same position (This is also the point where I managed to obtain a specimen for photographing - seen above). I also tried milbemycin oxime treatments that have previously worked for treating ‘white bugs’, reaching a concentration of 18.75mg in 63 US gallons. Surprisingly, this treatment did not work against these amphipods despite killing all other copepod species. (Note - regular or common amphipods also didn’t die).

Upon scrolling Andrew Sandler’s polo reef Facebook forum, I came across a post that pointed me in the direction of a product called debug. The product, formulated and sold by collectors coral’s Anand Kaimal, is a plant based oil blend solution advertised to eliminate all pod species. And so it did. Following Anand's guidance, the parasitic amphipods succumbed to the first treatment a few days after the initial dosage.

Fortunately my Acropora anthocercis survived the amphipods, likely due to the increased surface area that comes with being a small colony, rather than an easily overwhelmed frag like the Acropora gemmifera. The recessed base above the amphipod burrow now has a growth rim for the first time since the amphipods encountered this coral.

I wanted to make this post since I initially felt lost to find nothing of the sort previously documented on any forum I have searched, and since finding a viable solution to the issue, I thought it deserved a post in case it is to help other reefers in the future should they encounter this or a similar issue, and or to identify this species of amphipod - pod specialists welcome!

Happy reefing

18.75mg/50G may not be enough. I am dosing 1 large pill (23mg)/50G. You could experiment with higher dosaging imo. Also, since you're able to capture them, put them in a petry dish and dose a ton of interceptor and see if they ever croak, you've got nothing to lose.

 

[Skywater]

I know this thread is s little old, but

Around 4 months ago, one of my Acropora (Acropora gemmifera) that was previously doing incredibly well suddenly lost its shine and spiralled into a decline of health that subsequently led to its death around 2 months ago. The cause, to my shock, was a species of amphipod. I am unsure of the species. However, it is most certainly different from the amphipods regularly observed in the hobby.

Acropora gemmifera (before and after)

They appeared to be nocturnal; hence, all footage was recorded at night with a flashlight. I observed a burrowing behaviour in which the burrow was created directly beneath the lowest point of coral encrustation. Over the course of 4 months or so of observation, it was hard to decipher whether they were inherently Acroporid pests - their behaviour involved repeatedly running over the coral tissue, sometimes following a perfect line before reversing the same path back into the burrow. Corals responded with very limited or no polyp extension, and a thinning of tissue close to the burrow, which continued to expand further up the corals, promoting recession. I did observe what could be the consumption of coral tissue but couldn't confirm bite marks. Therefore, I think the persistent irritation of these pests caused the damage and tissue loss rather than them actively consuming coral tissue. The only time I witnessed what could potentially be coral tissue consumption is videoed above where an amphipod can be seen in the centre of the coral (shortly before the coral completely stn'd). There appeared to be two adults and many transparent juveniles at varying stages of maturity. Oddly, I observed this exact behaviour (two adults and many juveniles) amongst another Acropora colony (Acropora anthocercis) almost immediately after the death of the initially infested Acropora gemmifera.

Acropora anthocercis - (during amphipod infestation) and amphipod comparison

Within the 4 months of dealing with these pests, I tried a few treatments. Initially, I tried filling in the burrow with super glue - they seemingly recreated the burrow in the exact same position (This is also the point where I managed to obtain a specimen for photographing - seen above). I also tried milbemycin oxime treatments that have previously worked for treating ‘white bugs’, reaching a concentration of 18.75mg in 63 US gallons. Surprisingly, this treatment did not work against these amphipods despite killing all other copepod species. (Note - regular or common amphipods also didn’t die).

Upon scrolling Andrew Sandler’s polo reef Facebook forum, I came across a post that pointed me in the direction of a product called debug. The product, formulated and sold by collectors coral’s Anand Kaimal, is a plant based oil blend solution advertised to eliminate all pod species. And so it did. Following Anand's guidance, the parasitic amphipods succumbed to the first treatment a few days after the initial dosage.

Fortunately my Acropora anthocercis survived the amphipods, likely due to the increased surface area that comes with being a small colony, rather than an easily overwhelmed frag like the Acropora gemmifera. The recessed base above the amphipod burrow now has a growth rim for the first time since the amphipods encountered this coral.

I wanted to make this post since I initially felt lost to find nothing of the sort previously documented on any forum I have searched, and since finding a viable solution to the issue, I thought it deserved a post in case it is to help other reefers in the future should they encounter this or a similar issue, and or to identify this species of amphipod - pod specialists welcome!

Happy reefing

 

[Skywater]

Around 4 months ago, one of my Acropora (Acropora gemmifera) that was previously doing incredibly well suddenly lost its shine and spiralled into a decline of health that subsequently led to its death around 2 months ago. The cause, to my shock, was a species of amphipod. I am unsure of the species. However, it is most certainly different from the amphipods regularly observed in the hobby.

Acropora gemmifera (before and after)

They appeared to be nocturnal; hence, all footage was recorded at night with a flashlight. I observed a burrowing behaviour in which the burrow was created directly beneath the lowest point of coral encrustation. Over the course of 4 months or so of observation, it was hard to decipher whether they were inherently Acroporid pests - their behaviour involved repeatedly running over the coral tissue, sometimes following a perfect line before reversing the same path back into the burrow. Corals responded with very limited or no polyp extension, and a thinning of tissue close to the burrow, which continued to expand further up the corals, promoting recession. I did observe what could be the consumption of coral tissue but couldn't confirm bite marks. Therefore, I think the persistent irritation of these pests caused the damage and tissue loss rather than them actively consuming coral tissue. The only time I witnessed what could potentially be coral tissue consumption is videoed above where an amphipod can be seen in the centre of the coral (shortly before the coral completely stn'd). There appeared to be two adults and many transparent juveniles at varying stages of maturity. Oddly, I observed this exact behaviour (two adults and many juveniles) amongst another Acropora colony (Acropora anthocercis) almost immediately after the death of the initially infested Acropora gemmifera.

Acropora anthocercis - (during amphipod infestation) and amphipod comparison

Within the 4 months of dealing with these pests, I tried a few treatments. Initially, I tried filling in the burrow with super glue - they seemingly recreated the burrow in the exact same position (This is also the point where I managed to obtain a specimen for photographing - seen above). I also tried milbemycin oxime treatments that have previously worked for treating ‘white bugs’, reaching a concentration of 18.75mg in 63 US gallons. Surprisingly, this treatment did not work against these amphipods despite killing all other copepod species. (Note - regular or common amphipods also didn’t die).

Upon scrolling Andrew Sandler’s polo reef Facebook forum, I came across a post that pointed me in the direction of a product called debug. The product, formulated and sold by collectors coral’s Anand Kaimal, is a plant based oil blend solution advertised to eliminate all pod species. And so it did. Following Anand's guidance, the parasitic amphipods succumbed to the first treatment a few days after the initial dosage.

Fortunately my Acropora anthocercis survived the amphipods, likely due to the increased surface area that comes with being a small colony, rather than an easily overwhelmed frag like the Acropora gemmifera. The recessed base above the amphipod burrow now has a growth rim for the first time since the amphipods encountered this coral.

I wanted to make this post since I initially felt lost to find nothing of the sort previously documented on any forum I have searched, and since finding a viable solution to the issue, I thought it deserved a post in case it is to help other reefers in the future should they encounter this or a similar issue, and or to identify this species of amphipod - pod specialists welcome!

Happy reefing

I know this thread is s little old, but

Did you try any particular fish that normally hunt amphipods? I dropped about 125 amhipods in my 75 g tank full of liverock structure for them to hide in. In a few weeks my small gobies had made them disappear. 7 masked gobies and 5 tiger gobies. The gobies get fed frozen food, and occasionally tiggerpods or dry food daily as well. I think they would have hunted the carnivorous pods as well. Would be interesting to find out.

Around 4 months ago, one of my Acropora (Acropora gemmifera) that was previously doing incredibly well suddenly lost its shine and spiralled into a decline of health that subsequently led to its death around 2 months ago. The cause, to my shock, was a species of amphipod. I am unsure of the species. However, it is most certainly different from the amphipods regularly observed in the hobby.

Acropora gemmifera (before and after)

They appeared to be nocturnal; hence, all footage was recorded at night with a flashlight. I observed a burrowing behaviour in which the burrow was created directly beneath the lowest point of coral encrustation. Over the course of 4 months or so of observation, it was hard to decipher whether they were inherently Acroporid pests - their behaviour involved repeatedly running over the coral tissue, sometimes following a perfect line before reversing the same path back into the burrow. Corals responded with very limited or no polyp extension, and a thinning of tissue close to the burrow, which continued to expand further up the corals, promoting recession. I did observe what could be the consumption of coral tissue but couldn't confirm bite marks. Therefore, I think the persistent irritation of these pests caused the damage and tissue loss rather than them actively consuming coral tissue. The only time I witnessed what could potentially be coral tissue consumption is videoed above where an amphipod can be seen in the centre of the coral (shortly before the coral completely stn'd). There appeared to be two adults and many transparent juveniles at varying stages of maturity. Oddly, I observed this exact behaviour (two adults and many juveniles) amongst another Acropora colony (Acropora anthocercis) almost immediately after the death of the initially infested Acropora gemmifera.

Acropora anthocercis - (during amphipod infestation) and amphipod comparison

Within the 4 months of dealing with these pests, I tried a few treatments. Initially, I tried filling in the burrow with super glue - they seemingly recreated the burrow in the exact same position (This is also the point where I managed to obtain a specimen for photographing - seen above). I also tried milbemycin oxime treatments that have previously worked for treating ‘white bugs’, reaching a concentration of 18.75mg in 63 US gallons. Surprisingly, this treatment did not work against these amphipods despite killing all other copepod species. (Note - regular or common amphipods also didn’t die).

Upon scrolling Andrew Sandler’s polo reef Facebook forum, I came across a post that pointed me in the direction of a product called debug. The product, formulated and sold by collectors coral’s Anand Kaimal, is a plant based oil blend solution advertised to eliminate all pod species. And so it did. Following Anand's guidance, the parasitic amphipods succumbed to the first treatment a few days after the initial dosage.

Fortunately my Acropora anthocercis survived the amphipods, likely due to the increased surface area that comes with being a small colony, rather than an easily overwhelmed frag like the Acropora gemmifera. The recessed base above the amphipod burrow now has a growth rim for the first time since the amphipods encountered this coral.

I wanted to make this post since I initially felt lost to find nothing of the sort previously documented on any forum I have searched, and since finding a viable solution to the issue, I thought it deserved a post in case it is to help other reefers in the future should they encounter this or a similar issue, and or to identify this species of amphipod - pod specialists welcome!

Happy reefi

 

[ellisbart]

Did you try any particular fish that normally hunt amphipods? I dropped about 125 amhipods in my 75 g tank full of liverock structure for them to hide in. In a few weeks my small gobies had made them disappear. 7 masked gobies and 5 tiger gobies. The gobies get fed frozen food, and occasionally tiggerpods or dry food daily as well. I think they would have hunted the carnivorous pods as well. Would be interesting to find out.

I am going to add some pod hunting fish soon as a potential preventative measure, I was originally thinking scooter blenny. To avoid any confusion with names, do you have pics or scientific names of the gobies you have? cheers

 

[Skywater]

I am going to add some pod hunting fish soon as a potential preventative measure, I was originally thinking scooter blenny. To avoid any confusion with names, do you have pics or scientific names of the gobies you have? cheers

The two types of gobies I mentioned were the Florida tiger goby (tigragobius macrodon: formerly known as elacatinus marodon) and the masked goby (coryphopterus personatus) both types = peaceful and can be kept in multiples. Will protect nesting sites but do no real damage to each other. A blenny may be dangerous to keep with these peaceful fish. Tigers available from Tampa Bay Saltwater and KP Aquatics. Masked gobies available from KP. Both types are tiny. 1/2 inch to 1 and 1/2 inches. Actively hunt and feed amongst the liverock. I culture amphipods for them. They appreciate frozen mysis and brine. Occasional flake food as well. These fish can jump. I keep my water level down 3 inches from the top rim. Tampa bay sells a TYPE of porcelain crab that is a filter feeder and scours the detritus on the rocks as well. These are living peacefully with my gobies. I wouldn't try any other type of porcelain crabs...many eat fish.

 

[C. Eymann]

These remind me of the amphipods a member with the SN marksalot on RC dealt with in the late 00's.
Milbemycin oxime even in high doses may not be effective, you need to utilize a medication with a different mechanism of action, milbemycin's is neurological and unfortunately milbemycin rapidly breaks down in the environment. Some have been successful with a combination of milbemycin and lufenuron (sentinel) as lufenuron's mechanism of action inhibits arthropods ability to molt by inhibiting the production and polymerization of the chitin that makes up their exoskeleton. It does need to be dosed longer term than milbemycin though.
Hope this helps