Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
I recently picked up a bright yellow Trumpet Coral and I'm getting a bit concerned. Haven't seen the tentacles during the day, but I've heard that's pretty normal. At night, the mouth opens up, but still no tentacles. I've been placing food in the "trumpet" and nothing's happening - no tentacles coming out. The color's still the same as when I first got it, which is actually kinda worrying me. What are some definite signs that it's on its way out or already dead?
Re: Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
It's probably just getting used to its new home, give it a bit more time and see how it goes.
Re: Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
My trumpet corals tend to extend their tentacles at night, so that's likely normal behavior for yours as well. Consider trying target feeding with tiny mysis shrimp or plankton-sized food like cyclopseeze, and make sure the pumps are off while you're doing it. Based on what you've described, everything seems to be fine - I'd be more concerned if you mentioned tissue recession, but you didn't, so that's a good sign.
That yellow coloration sounds really cool, by the way. Is it a true, vibrant yellow? I'd love to see a photo of it, if you're willing to share. I wasn't aware that yellow morphs were available for trumpet corals - in my experience, it's pretty rare to find true yellow in stony corals.
That yellow coloration sounds really cool, by the way. Is it a true, vibrant yellow? I'd love to see a photo of it, if you're willing to share. I wasn't aware that yellow morphs were available for trumpet corals - in my experience, it's pretty rare to find true yellow in stony corals.
Re: Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
I'm really starting to think it's on its way out, to be honest. I'll try to get a picture up soon.rileyon wrote: ↑Mon Feb 10, 2025 10:30 am My trumpet corals tend to extend their tentacles at night, so that's likely normal behavior for yours as well. Consider trying target feeding with tiny mysis shrimp or plankton-sized food like cyclopseeze, and make sure the pumps are off while you're doing it. Based on what you've described, everything seems to be fine - I'd be more concerned if you mentioned tissue recession, but you didn't, so that's a good sign.
That yellow coloration sounds really cool, by the way. Is it a true, vibrant yellow? I'd love to see a photo of it, if you're willing to share. I wasn't aware that yellow morphs were available for trumpet corals - in my experience, it's pretty rare to find true yellow in stony corals.
Re: Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
I pretty much know it's dying now, but I'll post a picture soon. 

Re: Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
It's really taken a turn for the worse, I'm afraid. The condition has deteriorated significantly, even compared to the second photo I posted. I'm pretty confident now that it's not going to make it.
Re: Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
Looks like that one didn't make it. I've seen Trumpet Corals struggle with intense lighting, might've been the culprit. That color you had, by the way, is often called neon or cryptonite green, just a heads up.
Re: Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
What are your water parameters? Had issues with trumpets myself when Alk dropped too low.
Re: Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
Don't lose hope just yet. I've had some that looked pretty rough, but they bounced back. Give it some time, see what happens. Maybe relocate it to a spot with less intense lighting, that could help.
Re: Trumpet coral dying, what's going wrong?
My Peppermint shrimp are devouring it from the inside out, literally tearing pieces off. I'm almost certain it's a goner now.