Calling all experts...

[ElvishFrost]

Can anyone please help me figure out what my LPS is doing? There are several flesh colored masses coming out of the coral tonight, I noticed after lights out. They weren't there earlier today, and they are attached. I did the best I could with the pics, considering it's lights out. Thanks alot!!

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g313/ElvishFrost/DSC02994.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g313/ElvishFrost/DSC02995.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g313/ElvishFrost/DSC03004.jpg

[Mini4x]

are those the sweepers coming out?

(I am clearly FAR from an expert)

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/3/aquarium_album/feat3.jpg/

[ElvishFrost]

The tenticles pictured to the left in the third picture, are typical and are seen every night. I've never seen any thing longer then those, on this coral.



Are the masses in question Mesenterial Filaments?

[chew*]

Looks like regurgitation to me. I've had that happen with a few ricordias when first introduced without acclimatiing to my tank. Usually it means a coral isn't to happy.

[ElvishFrost]

will LPS corals in close proximity of each other cause something like this? I added some blastos today and they are failry close to this brain.. I don't see any sweepers coming out of it, those tenticles you see are typical. I've had this coral for about 1 year.

[chew*]

I've found blasto wellsi to be preety harmless. They usually lose the stinging battle. Not to sure about merletti.

[Dave McReeferson]

I can't speak to what is causing your coral to do this, but those are basically the insides of the coral's stomach (mesenterial filaments I believe is the name). It is basically what the coral uses to digest it's food stuffs. Often this type of behavior is used to wage war against neighbors, for instance, if one coral (LPS) were to fall on top of another coral (of just about any kind) the LPS will typically turn it's stomach inside out onto the encroaching coral and essentially begin digesting it's competitor as a mechanism of defense. I have also read that some corals under certain circumstances will release some of these into the water column as a method of long range attack (though I have not personally seen this myself). I am not sure what other stimuli could prompt an LPS coral to do this, though I am sure there are others...

[ElvishFrost]

I'm thinking it's either those, or the fact that I removed the two leathers I had in the tank, and maybe they released something before I got them out of the tank.. I'm going to keep a close eye, and make sure the brain isn't stressed and hopefully these will retract..

[ElvishFrost]

And those are the two factors that changed today, addition of the blastos, and the removal of the leathers..

[tone2607]

ive had the same thing happen to one of my mini caprets

[Dave McReeferson]

will LPS corals in close proximity of each other cause something like this? I added some blastos today and they are failry close to this brain.. I don't see any sweepers coming out of it, those tenticles you see are typical. I've had this coral for about 1 year.

The addition of another coral in close proximity could certainly cause something like this, but from your picture those Merleti's don't look nearly close enough. A coral would normally need to be nearly touching that coral to stimulate that response, perhaps the new coral, being stressed from transport, generated excess mucus that may have through water movement come into direct contact with your coral, causing the response... ? This is really wild guessing though, just a thought...

[ElvishFrost]

The addition of another coral in close proximity could certainly cause something like this, but from your picture those Merleti's don't look nearly close enough. A coral would normally need to be nearly touching that coral to stimulate that response, perhaps the new coral, being stressed from transport, generated excess mucus that may have through water movement come into direct contact with your coral, causing the response... ? This is really wild guessing though, just a thought...

I appreciate the thought! Just trying to include any variables that changed from the norm. I moved the blastos just to be sure, and moved the ricordia on the other side, just as a precaution as well. I added some other sps frags today but they are on a frag rack on the opposite side of the tank. I'll let you guys know if/how anything changes. I appreciate all the info!

[Dave McReeferson]

I'm thinking it's either those, or the fact that I removed the two leathers I had in the tank, and maybe they released something before I got them out of the tank.. I'm going to keep a close eye, and make sure the brain isn't stressed and hopefully these will retract..

Though I have no personal experience with them, I believe leathers can also generate excess "nasties" when stressed...

[Gina McReeferson]

ive had the same thing happen to one of my mini caprets


Wow, I just have to say, that is a gorgeous mini carpet!:eek:

[ElvishFrost]

Wow, I just have to say, that is a gorgeous mini carpet!:eek:

Agreed! Very nice!

[ElvishFrost]

I checked on the brain this morning, and everything was back to normal. Thanks for all the help :)

[Greg Hiller]

> but those are basically the insides of the coral's stomach (mesenterial filaments I believe is the name).<

I'm with Dave, FWIW.

[Bobbofin]

My candy cane corals do that. The tentacles come out and it looks like it puked it's inners out. I check it out with a flashlight sometimes several hours after lights out.

[Greg Hiller]

Mushroom anemones are also very prone to this (pushing filaments out their mouth transiently), particularly if you are handling them.