Coral Slime

LucidGoblin · 03/20/2018, 04:28 PM

I've noticed whenever I move certain corals, particularly favias and brains, that they will produce a lot of slime. I'm assuming this is some kind of defensive reaction. Strands of the slime will float about the tank, and I try to suck up as much as I can with a baster, but some of the slime inevitably lands on other corals. I can't be certain, but the slime seems to damage other corals to a small extent. Polyps, especially, don't want to open up all the way after being touched by the slime. Does this make any sense, and would an iodine dip help the sick polyps?

Tripod1404 · 03/20/2018, 05:29 PM

Coral slime can be toxic or contain nematocysts. I doubt it would help "sick polyps" they close because they basically get poisoned or stung.

Best way it to not touch the fleshy parts of corals. That irritates them and cause slimeing.

03/20/2018, 04:28 PM	#1
LucidGoblin Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Posts: 111	Coral Slime I've noticed whenever I move certain corals, particularly favias and brains, that they will produce a lot of slime. I'm assuming this is some kind of defensive reaction. Strands of the slime will float about the tank, and I try to suck up as much as I can with a baster, but some of the slime inevitably lands on other corals. I can't be certain, but the slime seems to damage other corals to a small extent. Polyps, especially, don't want to open up all the way after being touched by the slime. Does this make any sense, and would an iodine dip help the sick polyps?

03/20/2018, 05:29 PM	#2
Tripod1404 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 1,821	Coral slime can be toxic or contain nematocysts. I doubt it would help "sick polyps" they close because they basically get poisoned or stung. Best way it to not touch the fleshy parts of corals. That irritates them and cause slimeing.