cuke being attacked?

[mcsara]

I think that my black cuke is being attacked at night by amphipods! We noticed what appeared to be sores on him a few nights ago, and then one night, saw him covered with amphipods. It looked like he was trying to get away from them. We had to turn on a light to get a photo (which didn't come out too well), so most scattered. Are they predatory? What can we do to help him?

[mcsara]

any ideas?

[rshimek]

Hi,

I really can't tell from your images what is going on. However, some amphipods will definitely attack and eat sea cucumbers. This is documented rather well from some temperate species, however, I don't know of any specific information about tropical ones.

I doubt that the amphipods are the cause of the problem. These "carnivorous" amphipods are rather uncommon, and I doubt they are found in many aquaria. I think it is more likely that the cuke is suffering from some other malady causing the sores, and that the normal scavenger bugs are taking advantage of the situation and have a meal at the cuke's expense.