Are red leg hermits bad for zoas

[jgs107]

For some reason every frag of zoanthids has 1 or 2 heads closed up and not opening. They were fine and then all of a sudden they shut and haven't opened back up.did a water change to see if that was it. Still no results. Only other thing I've added we're a couple nesarius snails and 10 red leg hermits. This is all in a 144 gallon half cylinder. Really bugging me because each frag like I said has a closed up zoa.all my other corals are doing great

[A. Grandis]

All hermits are bad for zoas IMO.
They get on them irritating and stilling foods.

But please note that I'm not saying that your hermits are the problem in your tank.
It could be another, or a combination of things...
Check for predators at night, be sure there is no infection/film, make sure your params are fine and it could be that the zoas are just closing for a while too.

Grandis.

[G4546]

+1

IME/O the red legs are the most adventurous ones, walking on anything and everything to steal food. I avoid them ;)

[mr.scoots]

IMO....The hermits irritate the zoas which will remain closed for days at a time waiting for the coast to clear so to speak before opening again.

[jgs107]

Well it looks like all my zoas are affected now. I'm thinking parasite now. Guess ill have to wait until dark to look around. Will dipping them keep them safe or just kill what's on them at the time.

[jgs107]

well i dipped my zoas and this is what was on the bottom of my cup.to the left i believe are copepods but i have no clue what this is on the right.its got dots going all down its hard shell.any clues.

[A. Grandis]

Top is probably a chiton (type of snail). They're normally herbivores.
Bottom is an amphipod. Some amphipods do eat zoas. Some others are herbivores. Watch them closely.
Try to see if you find anything at night...

Grandis.

[jgs107]

So it's not a copipod

[A. Grandis]

Copepods are smaller.
Amphipods are also called "pods".

Grandis.