SPS white spots

[maksim serebro]

Hi everyone! Got these white spots on PC rainbow about 2 weeks ago. Coral seems happy and has full polyp extension. Coral is encrusting and has been I the tank for about 6 months. I’m thinking those spots are from fish damaging it. Don’t see red bugs or flat worms. Parameters: salinity 35, alkalinity 8.5. Phos 0.0. Nitrate 20 ppm. Temp 79. Calcium 420. Any ideas?

 

[maksim serebro]

The whole spots are on the base. Sorry for bad iPhone pics

 

[Auquanut]

Do you have asterina stars? I've noticed in the past that asterina's will leave damaged spots on the lower areas of SPS corals. They seem to recover quickly. Just a thought.

 

[maksim serebro]

No I have never seen one in this tank. Thank for reply though

 

[maksim serebro]

I do have 3 emerald crabs. Could they do that?

 

[GCL]

I do have 3 emerald crabs. Could they do that?

I had the same thing happen recently when I replaced my Emerald Crab that had died. I didn’t see it picking at the coral but I’m pretty certain it was the issue and it stopped after I moved the crab to the refugium.

 

[maksim serebro]

I had the same thing happen recently when I replaced my Emerald Crab that had died. I didn’t see it picking at the coral but I’m pretty certain it was the issue and it stopped after I moved the crab to the refugium.

Going to check on the coral for a few nights. If I can find the crab, will move him. He hides during the day because of my harlequin tusk