What are these on torch?

kriskool123

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I noticed these on my ASD Grail .

Can anyone ID if this is a parasite or normal ?

IMG_2232.jpeg
 
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rayadog

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I see mesenterial filaments (inner distended tissue of your coral) and an asterina starfish. Ultimately, I think there’s more fear mongering on asterinas and mixed opinions. “If they have a red or orange dot(s), they’re not reef safe.” I never could tell I had any problems in my first tank and I had a healthy population of these guys. But I don’t think I ever let them annoy my corals when I saw it….


Tldr: probably safest to pluck it off! Especially if it came with the coral. “Where the food goes* I go”
 
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Shirak

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I agree with Rayadog. The location of the Asterina looks suspect to me. Should be flesh on the skeleton below the torch head and I don't see anything. mesenterial filaments will come out from irritation or injury. Some corals use them to feed but not usually torches.
 

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