Coco Worm Lost 1 Head

rkplucker · #1 05/20/2004, 03:21 PM

I have 2 coco worms. Have had them for 6 months now. Water params are: salinity 1.025, calcium 420, dkh 8.96, nitrates 0, ammonia 0, phosphate 0. Lighting is 260w pc and 220w vho.
I just noticed that one of them is missing one head. I don't see it in the tank anywhere but I have a lot of caves and places I can't see. I feed live phyto every other day and Kent phytoplex on the off day. I have LOTS of fan worms, sponges, and feather dusters. So I know there is plenty of feeding.
Any ideas why one would be gone? I was in the tank today moving some rocks, but the coco worms go into their shells when my hands are in the tank. So I don't think I banged into it. I'm worried - any ideas? Thanks!

rkplucker · #2 05/20/2004, 03:56 PM

^^

edsreef · #3 05/20/2004, 03:57 PM

Not sure about Coco worms but I do know Hawiian Feather Duster sometimes shed thier heads and grow a new one back shortly.

aquababy · #4 05/20/2004, 04:11 PM

Coco worms also shed ever so often. They will also drop their heads if attacked or water coditions are not right - especially Calcium and Alkalinity. I would also supplement with Iodine and Bromide as I do not rely on food to supply such elements that I can measure out. Under the right water conditions you can see new growth up to 1/2 inch in three to four weeks at times.

rkplucker · #5 05/20/2004, 04:28 PM

This has never happened before. And I've never moved it, been in the same spot since I put it in the tank.
I put a cap of Iodine in once a month.
Funny thing was, just yesterday we were commenting on how it looks like it's grown recently...

greg s · #6 05/20/2004, 04:29 PM

i know i had a large salinity swing once and mine shot its head
off, then regrew a very beautiful head. this was over 2 yrs ago,
and hasnt happened since. it will be fine i would think

rkplucker · #7 05/20/2004, 07:45 PM

Okay, I just walked by and the other head is gone too!! Should I do anything? Besides feel like I'm losing a child....

greg s · #8 05/20/2004, 08:09 PM

not much to do but wait for it to return, check your salinity
has it gone up or down quickly in the last day?

rkplucker · #9 05/20/2004, 08:11 PM

No. Nothing different than normal. It stays between 1.024-1.025. Should I be trying to find the heads in the tank? I looked but don't see them. Just wondering about any sort of problems with them decomposing.

greg s · #10 05/20/2004, 08:52 PM

na, there little