Help! New gorgonian dying?

[Sharkbait19]

About two weeks ago, I bought a photosynthetic gorgonian at my lfs for a good price. I figured it’s worth a shot, and buying a photosynthetic one would be simple. Today, I noticed that the flesh appears to be melting on one of the arms. Is it dying? Do photosynthetic gorgs have any special requirements that other corals don’t?

 

[Viva'sReef]

Could it be getting stung by the leather/zenia or whatever that other coral is next to the death?

I've never had success with Gorgonians

 

[Viva'sReef]

By the looks of the leathers polyps retracted right at the point of contact in the photo, I would say that its getting stung

 

[Sharkbait19]

Could it be getting stung by the leather/zenia or whatever that other coral is next to the death?

I've never had success with Gorgonians

A sting from a leather coral seems unlikely, though I think they produce some sort of slime coat that is dangerous to other corals…

If it is being stung, what could be stinging it? The only nearby lps to that spot is an acan, which I don’t think have long sweepers.

 

[DeniseAndy]

It is fighting with the leather. All corals have the ability to sting (all have stinging cells on their polyp's tentacles). Leathers also send out toxins. Move it away from the leather by at least 6". It should heal. If not, trim off that branch with a sharp scissors.

 

[elorablue]

I have a few gorgs and they like lots of light and especially flow. You may need to move it.

 

[Rizzle30]

Could it be shedding, they do that from time to time. I don't see any exposed skeleton so thats a good sign

 

[Sharkbait19]

Update: About 2 weeks ago, I moved the gorgonian away from the leather coral, and it was in awful condition. Today, it’s pretty much healed up. Another leather casualty is my beautiful acan, and that is unfortunately getting worse, even after the move.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I have found leathers and acans do not play well together. Too many toxins I think. Never got mine to get along even in a 210g tank. :)