Hammerhead - one head not looking so good..

Discussion in 'Coral Health' started by wisper, Feb 10, 2009.

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  1. wisper

    wisper Plankton

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    I picked up a three headed Hammerhead last week. I had it initially mid tank with fairly strong flow. I moved it lower in the tank as the flow looked like it might damage the tenticles. At any rate it really took to it's new home. For the last two days the one head has remained restracted while the other two heads are fully extended and look pretty happy. There appears to be some white stuff coming out of the mouth of the head that is struggling. Water params are good (amonia, nitrite, nitrate). There are no others corals near it and the two fish currently in the tank are not aggressive towards it. The only thing different was the last water change was a new salt mix. I am feeding phytoplankton every other day. It also looks like the head may be splitting - but I am really new to the hobby so not sure - but could this account for why it is not extending it's tenticles?

    Any ideas are much appreciated - thanks.
     

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  3. bmshehan

    bmshehan Fu Manchu Lion Fish

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    The pic won't load for me:confused:
     
  4. cannedmulder

    cannedmulder Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    This happens to my torch occassionally. It is natural and it should be ok! Give it some time!
     
  5. wisper

    wisper Plankton

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    OK I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks.
     
  6. RHorton

    RHorton Pajama Cardinal

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    I agree my torch also does this from time to time.
     
  7. wisper

    wisper Plankton

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    So ya... pretty sure this is not natural. Got home this evening and the head looks like it has been torn open and rotting away. Pretty sure it is done for now.... The other two heads appear to have survived for now... can I cut this nasty bit off - and if so how? Or should i just leave it and see if it will re-grow?
     

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  9. muecyl

    muecyl Feather Duster

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    they do that and so do frogspawn and other similar coral, no worries, some last for weeks like that others only a day or two....
     
  10. wisper

    wisper Plankton

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    But the flesh is rotting away - you can see the skelton structure underneath...?? The tank has floating bits of green hammerhead flesh blowing around...
     
  11. muecyl

    muecyl Feather Duster

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    okay, it might me dead