gorgonian problem

[jreef1]

I have what I believe to be a photsynthetic gorgonian. (Purple with yellow polyps that extend during the day). It has been slowly wasting away over the last three weeks and has what appears to be mini-brittle stars wrapped around the stalks. They appear to be black with white bands perpendicular to the legs (I believe not too unlike the stars in the IA detrivore kit I originally put in although my memory fails me. They couldn't be more than an inch and a half in diameter) I find it to be too much of a coincidence. Any ideas/views/knowledge?

 

[amber]

I have a purple plume (& red and yellow) gorgonians. They like a LOT of current. I pick mine up and Gently clean algae off of it; so I think you can remove the mini stars. It would seem that they are eating something ON the gorgonian but I'm not sure. I believe you have to feed these; anyhow, I have to feed mine. amber

 

[Garee1]

If their polyps are yellow, then it's not photosynthetic. You may want to try feeding it. They are photosynthetic if polyps are white.

 

[SPC]

If the poyps are tan or brown then it is photosynthetic, I know of no Gorg with white or yellow polyps that is photosynthetic.
Steve

 

[Ben1]

white polyps=non photosynthetic

 

[Ben1]

I also have a purple ribbon gorgonia and can only suggest to be sure it is in high light and current. It will shed a waxy film now and then and if the current is lacking shedding could be a problem.

My mini stars are gray with white lines. There from IPSF and have never hurt anything.

HTH

 

[HARRISON]

Try hatching some brine and target feeding. I do this to both my plume and whip and they seem to be doing well...