[mgdth]

I have this anemone type creature populating one of my rocks. There are currently 5 that I can see. Can someone ballpark what it might be? Also, one of the pics has what appears to be pink corraline algae and some unidentified red feather dusters. (FYI - My tank is currently 4 months old) Thanks!

[Reefland]

Hi mgdth,


Not a good thing, they are Aiptasia. You can do a search here for that term and find many different ways of getting rid of them...which you should do quickly.

[mgdth]

Thanks for the quick response....looks like I have my work cut out for me.

[zhenya]

First two shots is of Aiptasia but the last one shows some feather dusters type polychaetes(worms). I would leave those be as they are harmless filter feeders.
You can find more information about them here

[mgdth]

Thanks.....I will probably find a natural means of controlling them. I am currently looking at what types of small critters will eat them. I don't want to get a fish since I only have a 20 gallon tank, and I have been meaning to get some more snail/crabs/shrimp to help with maintenance anyway.

[Frag Hag]

Welcome to Reefland!

If you are looking for a natural means to control aiptasia, you might try a peppermint shrimp or two. They are funny little creatures that can be pretty effective on aiptasia.

Shay

[mgdth]

Thanks....that is the route I was looking at taking. I was thinking of getting a red hairy legged hermit crab also, but from the limited searching I've done so far, I can't find many places that sell them, especially local. Peppermint shrimp, on the other hand, are easier to find.

[Reefland]

The crab wouldn't be any help in eating the Aiptasia. You can try the Peppermint shrimp, but be mindful that not all of them will mess with Aiptasia...it is a hit or miss game with them.

[jsheffel]

Additionally, I have a couple of peppermint shrimp that I got to get rid of aiptasia. They did the jod effectively, but now my nessarius snails don't come out any more, and today when I added a Genera Blastomussa to the tank, one of them started ripping it to shreds.

[mgdth]

Thanks for all the help. I got 2 peppermint shrimp, and the next day, the aiptasia was gone.....completely. I guess at least one of these guys was really hungry. Also, I have 3 large and 3 small nessarius snails, so I will watch them closely jsheffel. Thanks!