Gorgonian help - tissue problem

[SeanNTX]

I have had this photosynthetic gorgonian coral for about 4 months and it has been doing well. I just noticed the decaying tissue at the base in the past few days.

Does anyone have experience with what might be causing this?

Alk 8.18
Ph 8.13
Ca 432
Mg 1302
NO3. 12
PO4 .08
Salinity 1.025

Thanks is advance!
Sean

 

[SeanNTX]

Bump

 

[GoReefin]

Honestly looks like something is taking bites out if it.

 

[Science/G]

It looks very similar to the Soft Coral tissue disease observed in the wild. I'm not exactly sure what kind of pathogen it actually is. Hopefully it doesn't spread. If it does continue to spread you might have to frag the coral and save the healthy pieces.

 

[BryanM]

It looks like something is nipping it to me as well... What livestock do you have?

 

[Science/G]

There are very few natural predators of Gorgonians. Flamingo tongue snails, maybe fireworms. I still think it's a fungal infection.

 

[SeanNTX]

It looks like something is nipping it to me as well... What livestock do you have?

Nothing crazy on the livestock front. Hermits and snails and never see anything on or around the subject coral. As far a fish, tangs, and some harmless other small fish. The fungal theory seems most plausible. I doesn't seem to be progressing very fast at all. I will keep an eye on things and see what happens over the next few weeks.

The deteriorating areas are in pretty bad strategic locations for the base of the coral. May just have to frag the good tips and start over. I'll keep you guys posted. I really appreciate the reply's!