what is this worm? Parasite?

c_scherer123 · #1 07-10-2009, 03:50 AM

I got some corals recently (my first - I am new at reefing) and the mushrooms have been slightly curled since I got them. I thought my lighting was too strong and moved them into the shade. Tonight I noticed several white, curly worms on the underside of the mushroom cap. (posted links as I consider to picts too large to post without bothering people with 800x600 screen settings).
What are they and how do I get rid of them? They are worms right? They are attached pretty well as I tried to remove one to get a closer shot (and failed...).
http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/q...hroomworm1.jpg
http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/q...shroomworm.jpg

My water is testing in at near perfect levels, I tested because when something looks out of whack I immediately suspect the water quality.

christyf5 · #2 07-10-2009, 04:08 AM

I don't think those are parasites, I think they are the mushroom itself. When they start to go downhill they appear. I'm not sure what they are, whether they're something structural or perhaps a vascular system or something. One of the first time I had mushrooms die in my tank they melted down and all that was left were those white curly things.

Aquattro · #3 07-10-2009, 04:09 AM

No idea, never seen those before. You could try a quick fresh water dip, that might dislodge them. Or not worry about it unless you notice them doing something bad.

Aquattro · #4 07-10-2009, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro

No idea, never seen those before. You could try a quick fresh water dip, that might dislodge them. Or not worry about it unless you notice them doing something bad.

Ok, Christy knows more than I!

christyf5 · #5 07-10-2009, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Ok, Christy knows more than I!

LOL, thats doubtful Brad, I guess i just know mushrooms. Wait, no, thats not what I meant....

Aquattro · #6 07-10-2009, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christyf5

I guess i just know mushrooms. Wait, no, thats not what I meant....

Ya, we know what you meant. For sure. Yup.

noirsphynx · #7 07-10-2009, 04:16 AM

I agree, those aren't worms. I've had that happen in my tank if the mushroom gets torn or if it's on it's way out. It was great in my tank. Here's a pic of it on May 29 not long before you took it home.

blacknife · #8 07-10-2009, 04:31 AM

One of mine did that when i was chipping it off the rock it was on. I read on RC what they were called. i just left them in peace in a nice place and they cleared up over a few days.

chandigz · #9 07-10-2009, 04:31 AM

I've seen damaged mushrooms that looked like that. I think its basically some of its innards hanging out thru the outer skin.

dreef · #10 07-10-2009, 04:49 AM

Dip a shroom in fresh water for flatworms,the coral will expel them.When they are stressed or hurt you will see them.