Critter killing my elegance frag possile gall crab?

[Yoda3983]

Hi, new to the group. I got a elegance coral frag from my lfs. It was the best frag available as the others looked poor. After tank introduction I spotted a critter and removed it. I just found another one I think they have killed it now. Please help ID it and advise if there will be more or did both come in/on the coral and that's why the other frags were closed up etc. Is it a gall crab?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Appears to be a gall. Gall crabs live inside dwellings in corals and cause the formation of holes in the coral structure. These tiny crabs are considered to be safe keepers or guardians of the hard coral. The gall crabs defend against coral eating predators such as starfish and snails. The coral provides shelter and food, making it a permanent shelter
They generally don’t bother coral but you can place it in the sump.
For elegance, some things that will affect it are:
High alk
Hi temperature
High salinity
High nitrates
Low calcium
Hi ph
Pests such as black bugs

 

[Yoda3983]

Appears to be a gall. Gall crabs live inside dwellings in corals and cause the formation of holes in the coral structure. These tiny crabs are considered to be safe keepers or guardians of the hard coral. The gall crabs defend against coral eating predators such as starfish and snails. The coral provides shelter and food, making it a permanent shelter
They generally don’t bother coral but you can place it in the sump.
For elegance, some things that will affect it are:
High alk
Hi temperature
High salinity
High nitrates
Low calcium
Hi ph
Pests such as black bugs

Hi Thanks for the info,

My pH is 8.0
Temp 25
Salinity is 32
KH 8
NH4,NO2 both <0.05
NO3 - 5
PO4 <0.01
Ca 440
Mg 1370

So not sure why the elegance has been killed?

The Gall Crabs appeared to be cutting the elegance tentacles and trying to burrow into its center?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi Thanks for the info,

My pH is 8.0
Temp 25
Salinity is 32
KH 8
NH4,NO2 both <0.05
NO3 - 5
PO4 <0.01
Ca 440
Mg 1370

So not sure why the elegance has been killed?

The Gall Crabs appeared to be cutting the elegance tentacles and trying to burrow into its center?

That may be the issue- they make their own holes and burrows and may get to the tissue and membranes of the coral

 

[Yoda3983]

That may be the issue- they make their own holes and burrows and may get to the tissue and membranes of the coral

Hi this is my tank view and coral placement any recommendations welcome. Also a picture the elegance whats left, should I just remove?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hi this is my tank view and coral placement any recommendations welcome. Also a picture the elegance whats left, should I just remove?

Elevate the coral, dip in diluted iodine solution and assure no crabs. Huge bummer- here is my soccer ball sized piece:

 

[Yoda3983]

Elevate the coral, dip in diluted iodine solution and assure no crabs. Huge bummer- here is my soccer ball sized piece:

Very nice, I'll try but do you think its too late? Also advice on other corals placement would be welcome if the picture is clear enough

 

[vetteguy53081]

Best thing I can say: IF THE CORAL ARE HAPPY, leave them in their happy spot.
I avoid placing any coral on sandbed unless it’s a typical home for them