toadstool looks like wrapped in saran wrap

Sanlynn · 04/23/2006, 09:23 AM

I got a toadstool from the LFS about three weeks ago. It extended beautifully at the store, and then in my tank, as well - see photo. About four days ago I noticed it wasn't extending anymore, but remained firm and upright. When I woke this morning it looked as if the tentacles were trying to extend but someone had wrapped the top tightly in clear plastic wrap!

I've never seen anything like this before. Should I leave it alone, try blowing off the film? Is it dieing?

Anyone see this before? Any advice?
Thanks,
Sandy Lynn

nano_angel · 04/23/2006, 01:25 PM

it is growing. leave it alone for a few days it will be fine. leathers do this as they grow

keckles · 04/23/2006, 02:32 PM

Talking about Sarcophyton sp. (Toadstool)- "All shed a surface layer of dead waxy tissue from time to time. This is apparently not a regenerative action but does serve to rid the surface of accumulated algae and waste. Stronger currents in the aquarium will help limit the frequency of this process. During shedding, many aquarists observe a sickly-looking and withdrawn Sarcphyton and assume that the coral is dying or that something is drastically wrong in the tank. After the shed, however, the coral reexpands to full glory and appears larger and healthier than ever."
- Eric Borneman, Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History

This is something you will see periodically. It is nothing to worry about, and can be easily completed with the aid of strong water movement. You can achieve this by placing the coral in stronger water movement; or, if it is already attached, with the use of a turkey baster. I have found feeding to increase the effect of applying water movement alone.

Good luck, Sandy

Sanlynn · 04/23/2006, 02:59 PM

Thanks for the replies. In fact, the polyps extended enough to apparently break through the waxy surface and it's back to being fully extended.
Live and learn and learn and learn and...
Sandy Lynn

DJ88© · 04/24/2006, 02:25 PM

This thread has been moved to the current forum.

04/23/2006, 09:23 AM	#1
Sanlynn Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 62	toadstool looks like wrapped in saran wrap I got a toadstool from the LFS about three weeks ago. It extended beautifully at the store, and then in my tank, as well - see photo. About four days ago I noticed it wasn't extending anymore, but remained firm and upright. When I woke this morning it looked as if the tentacles were trying to extend but someone had wrapped the top tightly in clear plastic wrap! I've never seen anything like this before. Should I leave it alone, try blowing off the film? Is it dieing? Anyone see this before? Any advice? Thanks, Sandy Lynn

04/23/2006, 01:25 PM	#2
nano_angel Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Indy Posts: 258	it is growing. leave it alone for a few days it will be fine. leathers do this as they grow __________________ Irresponsible Teenager cleverly disguised as a responsible Adult Current Tank Info: 265 rr aga mixed,120g rr aga sps, 75g aga softy, 55g aga fowlr, 55g aga softy/lps, 46g aga bow mixed, 30g aga mixed

04/23/2006, 02:32 PM	#3
keckles Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 2,213	Talking about Sarcophyton sp. (Toadstool)- "All shed a surface layer of dead waxy tissue from time to time. This is apparently not a regenerative action but does serve to rid the surface of accumulated algae and waste. Stronger currents in the aquarium will help limit the frequency of this process. During shedding, many aquarists observe a sickly-looking and withdrawn Sarcphyton and assume that the coral is dying or that something is drastically wrong in the tank. After the shed, however, the coral reexpands to full glory and appears larger and healthier than ever." - Eric Borneman, Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History This is something you will see periodically. It is nothing to worry about, and can be easily completed with the aid of strong water movement. You can achieve this by placing the coral in stronger water movement; or, if it is already attached, with the use of a turkey baster. I have found feeding to increase the effect of applying water movement alone. Good luck, Sandy __________________ -Jared

04/24/2006, 02:25 PM	#5
DJ88© Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: BC. Canada. Posts: 14,351	This thread has been moved to the current forum. __________________ Darren Beauty fades.... Stupid is forever...... Current Tank Info: 34 Gal Solana with some lights.. and pumps that make water move. And fish...

04/23/2006, 02:59 PM	#4
Sanlynn Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 62	Thanks for the replies. In fact, the polyps extended enough to apparently break through the waxy surface and it's back to being fully extended. Live and learn and learn and learn and... Sandy Lynn