trouble with lobo

[whosinpower]

Hey all;

I picked up a lobophyllia (not sure on spelling) just after Christmas. The seller stated that the lobo was a bit stressed from shipping which I had noted when looking at it.

He suggested feeding it every day to get it back on track. Put it on the bottom of the tank, so as to not get light stressed. I have been trying to do this - but here is the problem.....

I feed early in the morning before leaving for work and when the lights are out on the tank. The feeder tentacles can clearly be seen. I take thawed out mysis and using a pair of long tweezers, I set the mysis right on the feeder tentacles. I always get a response as the coral grabs it. But then.....it holds the mysis for a time.....and the feeder tentacles slowly retract.....and the mysis floats off. I turn off the powerheads - use a flashlight and try to keep things dark.

The coral is not doing so well - and I noted last night that part of it is fading in color and its skeleton is exposed where the faded part is.(closest to the sand)

Any suggestions what I am doing wrong?

BTW - I have another open brain coral that I use the same feeding procedure - and it grabs the mysis and works it towards a mouth that widens and appears. But on this lobo - I do not see any mouths forming or opening.......

[John Zillmer]

Try thawed adult brine shrimp -- they seem to be more accepted by corals (and fish) until you can get them eating something more nutritious.

[whosinpower]

I'll give that a shot.

[otiso777]

You could also try soaking the food in a vitamin supplement such as selcon. This will make the food more appealing and nutritious.

[Pufferpunk]

I know you can enhance fish appetites with garlic. Maybe corals like it too.