I have had a brittle star in my tank and other than the time it immediately ate a berghia that I tried to add in my tank, it's been generally great and seemingly happy. A few weeks ago I added a large scrolling monti to my tank. About 2 days after I added the coral to the tank, I noticed that sand suspended in the water column had settled on a low spot in the coral. I blew the sand off with a turkey baster and the flesh beneath was bleached and probably dying. Since then, this white area has been growing, even though I have not allowed sand to collect on the coral again.
Two nights ago I found the brittle star completely wrapped around the scroll with one of its tentacles probing the dead area. Is it likely that the star is attacking / eating the coral's flesh?
Another piece of information to paint a full picture - Tonight I noticed that the bottom of the scroll appears to be bleached or dead in roughly the exact same area as the top.
Parameters are generally good, but I just did a water change and haven't tested in a few days so hesitate to represent that I know the exact levels at the moment. I use AI LEDs for about 14 hours a day with the highest setting at roughly 60% for 45 minutes. The coral is approximately eighteen inches below the lights, and not directly below any unit, its light is peripheral. Other than the slowly growing dead spot, the rest of the coral looks healthy.
Two nights ago I found the brittle star completely wrapped around the scroll with one of its tentacles probing the dead area. Is it likely that the star is attacking / eating the coral's flesh?
Another piece of information to paint a full picture - Tonight I noticed that the bottom of the scroll appears to be bleached or dead in roughly the exact same area as the top.
Parameters are generally good, but I just did a water change and haven't tested in a few days so hesitate to represent that I know the exact levels at the moment. I use AI LEDs for about 14 hours a day with the highest setting at roughly 60% for 45 minutes. The coral is approximately eighteen inches below the lights, and not directly below any unit, its light is peripheral. Other than the slowly growing dead spot, the rest of the coral looks healthy.
