Acropora Red Bugs

Acropora red bugs are a fairly recent aquarium pest that appears to only affect SPS Acropora corals. The number of reef tanks that are seeing this pest is growing rapidly in North America.

This growth is more than likely due to the great number of frags that are being traded among fellow reefers, and the new frags are not being quarantined as they should be. Once they are added to the main tank the bugs will spread to many of the Acropora corals that may be in the tank.

They are very tiny, about ½ a millimeter and look similar to a mite. They are yellow in color with a red dot. You may need a magnifying glass in order to see them.

One of the first signs you will notice is a loss of coloration and a reduction of normal poly extension. This occurs slowly over a few weeks or even months. The growth rate of the coral will be seriously affected. Death of the coral colony may occur as well.

Methods of removal and/or cure.

A medication that has surprisingly good results is actually a dog pill called interceptor. It is a heartworm preventive and de-worming treatment that is only available by prescription from a vet. Using this treatment will kill all crustaceans in your tank so it is advisable to remove the coral and treat it in a seperate container. Do a little research and you will discover how to use this medication.

Introducing a Dragonface Pipefish can be a means of eliminating the pesky bugs. They will eat them.

Dipping the coral in an iodine solution ( Lugol's or Reef Dip ) mixed with aquarium water in a clean plastic container for 15 minutes has been known to help.

A final note. Some people have discovered acropora red bugs in their tank and yet everything appears to be fine, so they don't always do damage.