Should I fear Aiptasia

[Sitarangi]

Its about an inch in diameter on a piece of FLR. Hes pink, and most likely eats the brine shrimp that I feed my fish. I have had him for well over 4 months and hes been growing progressively. I hear they are pests, should I get rid of him? Can he do any harm?

 

[reef rico]

can u post a pic for a affirmitive id?

 

[kimsie]

I agree - a pic would help for a positive ID - but yes... you really should fear them - they can easily take over your tank.

 

[doihavethemoney]

pepper mint shrimp will take care of him and if he is to big for the shrimp to eat take the rock out and use a razor blade to cut him out dont cut him off inside the tank it will help more spread. assuming that you have aptaisia that is what ou do.

you know what they say about people who assume

 

[mikecc]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12466955#post12466955 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by doihavethemoney
pepper mint shrimp will take care of him and if he is to big for the shrimp to eat take the rock out and use a razor blade to cut him out dont cut him off inside the tank it will help more spread. assuming that you have aptaisia that is what ou do.

you know what they say about people who assume

I know! I know! (+ 1 on post count)

 

[Gig 'em]

ugh yes fear them. Once they get in there it's tough to get them out.

 

[dc]

Well I'd id him for sure, then kalk, juice, set on fire, whatever it takes to get rid of. If it is and it starts multiplying you will have a mess.

 

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12467447#post12467447 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dc
Well I'd id him for sure, then kalk, juice, set on fire, whatever it takes to get rid of. If it is and it starts multiplying you will have a mess.

killing pest anemones is like a full time job for me.


GSMguy=Mojano ASSASSIN

Aptasia are considerably easier to rid yourself of.

 

[dc]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12467481#post12467481 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
killing pest anemones is like a full time job for me.


GSMguy=Mojano ASSASSIN

Aptasia are considerably easier to rid yourself of.

:lol: I know someone who added those to their tank, well they are kind of cute when you only have 1!

 

[EllieSuz]

The razor blade method can leave enough residue to grow another aiptasia. I've seen tanks absolutely overrun with them, killing off or obscuring everything of beauty in the tank. Get hold of a syringe and fill it with white vinegar or lemon juice and inject the needle deep into the middle of the aiptasia and as deep into the hole in the rock as you can. Keep an eye on the spot in the event you need a second treatment, but usually one injection is sufficient.

 

[Sitarangi]

Unfortunently my dad took the camera on a trip, he'll be back Monday. The coloration is spot on, its pink and has white speckles. Like I said, its about an inch in diameter and the tentacles are about an inch in length. Im almost 99% sure its aptasia, but ill take a pic in the following days for ID. I haven't noticed any more of them, and honestly he is pretty cute and id like to keep him if I could.

 

[doihavethemoney]

you cant kill him nowwwwwwwwwww!!!!!
i liked mine when i first saw it then i learned and saw what they could do to your tank and i flipped out and bought peppermnt shrimp and then with in a couple of days my problem was solved

 

[ILLiDaN]

i had pepp shrimp that mass murdered the aptaisa i had, now when i spot feed they are a pain in the.....

 

[isseym328]

I used a creme brunlee torch to take care of aipstasia. Works wonders. What you don't want is the adult aipstasia budding off babies....so I'd say kill it now.

 

[sentencedme]

I second peppermint shrimp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

 

[Sitarangi]

Heres a pic


(click to make bigger)

After doing some aquascaping today I found another one about a third of the size on the opposite side of the tank. Im getting peppermint shrimp tomorrow.

 

[Sitarangi]

UPDATE:

(Sorry for the double post)

I got 3 peppermint shrimp, and found several more little anemones . Hopefully I can get all of them before they get smaller.

 

[Lmecher]

Yes, definately aiptasia. I keep peppermint a shrimp in each tank they take care of any that pop up very quickly. You only need one, as someone else mentioned they can become a little pesty stealing food from corals other than that they're an interesting addition.

 

[Sitarangi]

I got 3, as my tank only has damsels, Clownfish, and a midas blenny; I just drop a cube of brine shrimp once or twice a day. My emerald crabs and hermits help pick at the rest, the shrimps will be more than adequately fed. If they are still hungry they will DECIMATE those filthy anemones (which I have found 5 of so far).

 

[Massengill]

Peppermint (Coral Banded) shrimp are nasty lil sun of a guns. They absolutely don't take no mess from any inhabitant. In my experience they put any Damsel and Clown in their place and always rule the roost. Yes, they are notorious for stealing food from anemones and other inverts, and they are Aptasia's worst nightmare.