Please Help -- Flatworms on Scolymia

[ReefLion]

Ok so I just noticed several pale, translucent-white flatworms on my Scolymia. These are definitely not the brownish "plague" flatworms. I can't tell if they are parasitic or not, but here are the two big questions:

1) Are these parasitic or otherwise a threat to the coral? I understand that a pic would help, but I guess I'm just looking for confirmation that these are likely bad.

2) Best options to eradicate? I think my choices are: fish like the six-line wrasse; treat the tank with something; dip the coral in saltwater with some treatment; freshwater dip. I'd rather use one of the latter two options if they are viable and if the coral can take it. Please let me know if anyone has any experience.

Thanks.

Tim

 

[King Jason]

1. I don't think they are a parasite, but I don't know much about the white type of flatworms.

2. A fresh water dip will kill them. You could also try to siphon them off.

 

[old ron]

All aquaria containing livesand/rock/ calurpa will have flat worms. they are no problem until the reproduce into hi numbers. this will occure from high nutrient levels ie: overfeeding, overly rich feces and/or dying animals
your scoly may be producing large amounts of slime that they are eating.
food additives must be given sparinglyalso. a n effecient skimmer will help keep your tank clean. but the most important thing is to limit input of
decayable foodstufs. If you can remove the scoly and rinse it off in new salt water(use a baster to add some force to the bath try to remove any material from it that should not be there also look it over for signes of
damage or injury. the flat worms are not harmful and will subside when the food subsides.

 

[SPC]

Posted by ReefLion:

1) Are these parasitic or otherwise a threat to the coral? I understand that a pic would help, but I guess I'm just looking for confirmation that these are likely bad.

-These are not a problem Tim, in fact they may be beneficial to your corals by eating the slime as old ron already stated.
Steve

 

[ReefLion]

Thanks. I have been feeding the scoly a bunch lately. He seems to love it, but maybe it's causing some extra mucos. I'll probably continue, as long as the flatworms don't pose a threat. If anyone has thoughts to the contrary, please let me know. Thanks again.

Tim