Torch coral covered with mucas

[jayne]

Hi there

I was hoping someone may be able to help me. I have a 170L reef tank. I have seven fish and about 9 soft corals. Everything has been really good and my levels are all good. I noticed tonight that my torch coral has a white mucas starting to cover it. At the moment it is only on one side of it. But I have noticed that another small torch next to it has a tiny bit on it as well. The mucas is quite long and wavy. I know thats a really broad description but I am not sure what else to tell you. The part of the coral that is not covered seems to be quite healthy still. I would really appreciate any help you could offer.

Cheers
Jayne

 

[OrionGirl]

Often a coral starts producing lots of mucus because it's being bothered--either by a fish, or by a parasite. Try watching at night o see if there's a large number of 'bugs' or worms on it--bugs look more likely roly-poly bugs than a common copopod.

What all fish are in there?

 

[Max]

And as an alternant theory . Soft corals will sometimes shed part of their outer mucos layer and some tissue as a normal part of their growth cycle. They will look sort of sickly for a couple of days and then bounce back. How long have you had them? Also I might be really wrong so by all means do as O.G. instructs but, it may 100% normal .
Just an idea.
Chris

 

[jayne]

Hi there

Thanks for your help. The coral has been in the tank for about 4 months. The fish I have are 2 clowns, 2 Bangai Cardinal, 2 blue cheek gobie, 1 yellow tang. I know thats a lot of fish but at the moment they are all small and I plan to get a bigger tank in the next few months, so for now they aren't crowded. I will have a look the coral tonight to check out any nasties that may be on it. I moved it closer to the air pump to see if a bit more water flow would help it but apart from blowing a bit of the mucas away it hasn't realy made much difference.

Thanks again for your help
Cheers
Jayne