Gorgonian sudden death

blackdog

Member
Here is a photo a few minutes ago of my gorgonian. The front stalk turned this white color just in the last hour or two. You can see at the top of the front stalk there is a spot that looks almost "scorched." Last night I noticed there was something white in that spot. The best way I can describe it is wormlike, but it didn't appear to be alive. In total about half an inch long, 1/6 inch diameter. It looked like something that had gotten caught by the gorgonians polyp. It was still there this morning and then the current must have swept it away. Both stalks came out today and it appeared fine. Then about three hours I noticed it looked a little odd, with the polyps half in and half out like I hadn't seen before. Then I went downstairs and saw this.

1. Does anyone know what happened?
2. What should I do? Remove the stalk (with scissors?), wait?
The back stalk appears more or less OK, but polyps aren't fully out.
 

surfnturf

Member
could be rapid tissue necrosis I suppose, post this in the disease forum, if it is RTN I don't think there is much you can do, but they will know in the disease and treatment forum. HTH
 

blackdog

Member
It's possible I spoke too soon. Looks like the polyps are coming back out very tentatively. Earlier the stalk was almost white (instead of lavender) and it appeared porous like it had already skeletonized. But now some of the color is back. Whatever that white thing was defintely left a mark, but we'll see whether it pulls through.
A couple weeks ago I had a tree coral I thought was a goner, with some reddish tan ooze coming from some of the branches. But I pruned them off, and the thing bounced back like a champ.
 

nm reef

Active Member
My gorgonian goes thru sort of the same stuff yours has.....I believe its just a reaction to stress or critters bothering it...mine tends to with draw and look bare...then a day or so later it'll be back to normal. Just try to keep it well nourished and give it a moderate current....it should be fine. Here is a pic of mine on a good day....
 
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