zoanthids open like umbrella and melting

CRath · Jan 2, 2022

Hi there, I cannot figure out what is happening to my magician zoas. They are opening in that weird umbrella way and are starting to melt. My only suspicion is the burning blossoms that are growing into them. I did have one magician dethatched from the colony, but the rest have stayed put. My water parameters have also shown no change. it would be dfficult to move the zoas as well because both colonies are attached to the rock. Any help would be great.

OrchidMiss · Jan 2, 2022

Have you checked your parameters? Ca+, dKh, Ph, Mg?

SeaworthyAquatics · Jan 2, 2022

The umbrella cap makes me think it's bacterial. Most likely one was damaged and developed an infection which is now spreading to the others. Can also happen if a lot of detritus builds up around the bases of the zoas. I'd say iodine dip but sounds like that might be difficult.

CRath · Jan 3, 2022

SeaworthyAquatics said:
The umbrella cap makes me think it's bacterial. Most likely one was damaged and developed an infection which is now spreading to the others. Can also happen if a lot of detritus builds up around the bases of the zoas. I'd say iodine dip but sounds like that might be difficult.

Iodine could work. I don't know if it is safe to dip rock flower anemones. I have two attached to the same rock. I do wonder if it is a species specific bacterial infection. The rest of the zoas right next to them are fine. I also do take a turkey baster and blow detritus out when I do water changes.