Acropora color change

[::pete::]

My Acropora which has been doing fine for over a month just started turning white on one branch. Is this something to worry about or is it common and I should just leave it alone?

Thanks

[Tim Marvin]

Have you changed anything in the tank? Lighting, salinity, PH, filter, anything? Is anything shading it? I have an acro that died on one side due to some mushrooms expanding over that spot. If it starts to turn white fast on you snap frags off the good part because once acro's start going there is usually not much you can do to stop the RTN, and it goes fast. Like within a day or two.

[::pete::]

I did a water change a week ago, nothing is shading it (it sits up high) and the levels are all good. Seeing as it is only at the end is it possible to remove that branch? I also took a picture I can send.

Thanks

[Tim Marvin]

I have done that before too. Just break off that little tip of branch. If you think it is still alive put it on the sand bed and wait, you may end up with a new frag. A picture would help.

[::pete::]

Tim

I e-mailed a pic wasnt sure how to post it.

Thanks

[::pete::]

Ok ... I sat there watching the tank for awhile after the last post. How deep is the color on an Acropora? The one I have is tri colored maybe even 4 and I ask this because my Yellow Tail Damsel was pecking at it. Is it possible he is eating the outer surface (color)? Or maybe picking at a dead area? Anyway to top it off I got up close and there was something moving between the brances of the Acopora and it looks like a crab. I just added a SallyLightFoot this week and had hermits, but this one seems to take the shape of the lightfoot. Just trying to give all possible info I can.

Thanks

[Tim Marvin]

There are tiny little crabs that host in acropora, not a problem. The damsel picking at it is a problem. Could be because the tissue is sloughing off. If the tissue comes off the outside it is dead.

[::pete::]

Thanks Tim I took your advice and that piece is now in the sandbed, we shall see. As for the crab he must have come along for the ride.