Mithrax feeding on Aiptasia

[Surf]

Hello Anthony!

I've had some challenging aiptasia in my tank, not many but tricky to get to.

Last week I added a mithrax Crab to help with a bubble algae problem, and I've noticed over the past 2 days all the aiptasia are retreating into the rock more, and look like they've been picked at (damaged tentacles etc.)

The only moving creatures I have (not including the various sand bed critters, amphipods, copepods, etc) are two brittle stars, two turbo snails, and mr. Mithrax crab.

I think I can rule out the turbos, and the "Green Brittle" (probably incrassata) star . They've all been there for about 7 months without touching the aiptasia.

that leaves a "Brown brittle"(unknown spp.) and the crab, both recently introduced.

I know ophiuroids are hard to pin down for diet, but I'd be surprised if its the culprit.

Have you ever known Mithrax crabs to eat aiptasia?

 

[Anthony Calfo]

"Mithrax" (Mithraculus) are not at all known for selecting for Aiptasia... but crabs in general tend to be rather opportunistic (hence the reason why some folks like me are less inclined to ever recommend them for reef tanks). ALthough yours is the most likely predator on Aiptasia, I suspect that water quality or some other factor is as likely or moreso. Aiptasia are nutrient dependent, and wiull suffer when your water quality improves, they receive less particulates/food, etc. Many possibilities here. No complaints though, right?

Anthony

 

[Surf]

None at all, I'm going to see if I can get a pic of the litle guy...maybe I can train him

 

[Surf]

Update-Not the crab after all, just better water quality getting to them I think.

No matter, they sleep with the fishes after Mr. Kalk-slurry had a talk with them...

 

[Anthony Calfo]

Ahhh... much thanks for the followup my friend.

It is indeed reassuring to hear that good theory on husbandry really does work in practice! Vis a vis the improved water quality causing the Aiptasia to wane. Although this is not the experience of most aquarists... most aquarists also do not have optimal water quality, and rather struggle a bit with overfeeding, overstocking, poor protein skimming, weak water changes, etc.

But good things happen when you keep up with water quality

The kalk hammer is just for fun/polishing

Anthony

 

[Surf]

BTW, the "Author Support" theory also works, Vis a vis, I just picked up a copy of Reef Invertebrates. Nice book, well written with useful photos.

Thanks :beer:

 

[Anthony Calfo]

Thank you my friend... I do hope that you find merit in it.

Anthony