A more recent nudibranch pest that affects
SPS coral aquariums has recently become
prevalent, and prefers to consume corals of the
genus Montipora and Anacropora.
These nudibranch are very small, attaining a
maximum size only up to half of a centimeter,
are pale white to tan in color, and have many
branch-like appendages along their back. They
are very damaging pests in a reef aquarium that
can multiply and consume corals in a very short
period of time.
Symptoms and signs:
Corals that become infected with these pests
will begin to show white spots where the
nudibranchs have eaten away the tissue of the
coral. The most vulnerable seem to be
Montipora capricornis, also known as vase
corals, as well as Montipora digitata,
the branching form. Many times the nudibranch
will begin feeding on the underside of the
coral, and it will not become apparent to the
hobbyist that the coral is being damaged until
it can be seen in plain view on the top of the
colony.
Treatment:
Controlling outbreaks of these pests is
difficult, and several different techniques are
being experimented with. Removal of this pest is
often performed manually with tweezers.
·Natural predators of the
nudibranch are butterflyfish of the
Chaetodon genus, wrasse of the genus
Thalassoma and Coris. Two species of Butterflyfish fish in particular that have been
noted as being efficient predators are:
Chaetodon semilarvatus, the Red Sea
Butterfly and Chaetodon Auriga, the
Thread Fin Butterfly. Be advised that these fish
will also consume worms, such as feather dusters
and those that inhabit live sand beds in the
reef aquarium.
·
Chemical techniques have been used also,
yielding varying results. Iodine dips using a
concentrated Lugol's and aquarium water mixture
will kill the nudibranch, but seems to have a
limited success rate on the eggs. Another
chemical called Levamisol has been used
with a good deal of success. However, the
development of this treatment along with
specific dosages and treatment lengths, are in
preliminary stages, and this medication is only
available with a prescription from a licensed
Veterinarian.
The problem that exists with chemical dips is
that it will only kill the nudibranchs that are
on the colony and the rock that the coral is
attached to when treated. This nudibranch has
been found to lay eggs within the rockwork of
the aquarium, as well as on other coral
colonies. Therefore, just treating the colony
and its associated rock will not solve the
problem. One answer to this is to remove all
colonies of Montipora and
Anacropora to a separate containment system
for a few months, and to repeatedly treat the
corals and its associated rock with an iodine
dip. This will ensure that the nudibranch within
the display aquarium are eradicated due to
starvation. Also, you will be able to monitor
the health of the infected colonies with greater
ease in the smaller system.
How to reduce your
chances of infecting your aquarium
The best remedy to these pests is by not
introducing them into your aquarium, following
proper quarantine procedures for all aquatic
inhabitants, including corals and invertebrates.
Only purchase specimens from a reputable vendor
that takes precautions against these pests. Your
vendor should practice proper husbandry and
quarantine procedures, keep a close eye on their
holding systems, and should perform the
appropriate treatments if the need arises. Ask
your vendor what protocols they employ in
keeping his system free of pests and pathogens.
Also when trading frags with a fellow
hobbyist, do not take his word that his system
is free and clean of pests. We cannot stress
enough the importance of quarantining all new
specimens until you are sure that the colony is
free of any unwanted organisms and have adjusted
to their new environment. This is also a great
time to slowly acclimate your new arrivals to
both the water conditions and the type of
lighting that is used on your main system.
A reef aquarium offers us a unique ability to
enjoy some of nature's most beautiful creatures
in the comfort of our homes. Although mostly a
relaxing hobby, there are times that it can
become frustrating. The pests mentioned in this
article can take the joy out of a reef aquarium
making it a real burden. It is important to take
preventive measures whenever adding new colonies
to your display aquarium, as well as acting
immediately if pests or parasites are ever
noticed.
