Brain coral diagnosis

[Saltandfresh]

Hi fellow reefers! My brain coral hasn’t opened up for a few weeks. I’ve been monitoring it and it opens occasionally but quickly closes up. A few days ago I found a sponge ( I think ) growing at the base and I removed it. Thinking I had solved the issue I waited and hoped the coral would open up. Unfortunately, it hasn’t. Tonight I inspected it closely and saw a tiny gash or scare near the center. As I was looking at the coral I saw a tiny worm like critter crawling around the coral. As I came in for a closer look it scurried away into the rock work. I don’t know if it was just feeding on left over mysis shrimp I had just fed the fish or if it was eating the coral. I’ve seen plenty of bristle worms in the tank and this didn’t look like a bristle worm. The coral has been in the same spot in the tank for over a year. Same water flow, lighting, parameters etc. All of the other corals are thriving. I would really appreciate some assistance. It’s one of my favorite corals and I want to help get it back to health. I am attaching the pictures I took tonight along with a picture of what the coral usually looks like for comparison.

 

[Shirak]

Not sure I see an issue there. Looks fine to me. You could try moving it down to a little lower light level. My Trachy seem to prefer being near the bottom where light and flow are only moderate. They also like to be fed in my tank a couple times a week with some mysis or other LPS pellet food

 

[Saltandfresh]

Thank you for your input.... I guess I was a little worried because it doesn't open up nearly as much as it used to. It used to expand about twice it's current size. I will try moving it a little lower. Thanks again!