Acropora red bug (Tegastes acroporanis) care guide

Group
Other invertebrates
Other names
Red bugs, Acro red bugs, Acropora crabs (misnomer), Red bug copepod
Family
Tegastidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific reefs, living on Acropora corals
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
0.1 cm
Reef safe
no

Care

Acropora red bugs are tiny parasitic copepods, about 1 mm long, that live on Acropora corals. Under a magnifier they are yellowish with a red or orange spot and move around on the coral surface. Our sources have little on this species; the figures are general guidance, not from a source. Pest: they are a pest in reef tanks and should not be bought or sold. It should not be sold as livestock. They arrive on infested Acropora colonies or frags, often from other hobbyists' tanks. Identification: look closely, with a torch and magnifier, at Acropora branches that look pale, have poor polyp extension or brown patches; red bugs show as tiny moving yellow-red dots. They are only found on Acropora. Harm: they feed on Acropora tissue and on the coral's algae, causing poor polyp extension, loss of colour, slow growth and, in heavy infestations, tissue loss or death. Removal and prevention: quarantine and dip every new Acropora with a coral dip made for pests, and inspect it before adding it to the display. Treatments based on milbemycin oxime (a veterinary wormer) have been widely used by hobbyists, but they kill other crustaceans too, so treat corals in a separate tank, away from shrimp, crabs and pods. Some wrasses and other fish may pick them off, but not reliably. Follow up treatments to catch eggs that hatch later. Copper: copper-based medicines and some plant fertilisers are toxic to shrimp, snails and most other invertebrates. Never treat a tank holding them with copper, check the label of any fertiliser or medicine, and keep nets and buckets used for copper-treated tanks separate. Sources: none of our sources had a page on this species; this page uses general hobby knowledge. Checked October 2026.

Diet

Feeds on Acropora coral tissue and mucus and on the coral's symbiotic algae.

Breeding

Reproduces on the coral, so populations grow quickly in the display. Eggs survive some treatments, which is why repeat dips or doses are needed.

Compatibility and tank mates

A parasite of Acropora corals; not wanted in any reef tank. Treatments that kill red bugs also kill shrimp, crabs and copepods, so treat corals separately.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
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