What does Aiptasia live on?

[Crusinjimbo]

I have read lots of articles and opinions on how to eradicate aiptasia but don't recall any information on what they consume as nourishment. They don't appear to be light dependent so something must be fueling their rapid growth, I believe. Seems like if their nourishment source was known it would be another way to "control" their population, same same as cyano and PO4 limit control. Anyone have some facts or opinions?

 

[reefwars]

I have read lots of articles and opinions on how to eradicate aiptasia but don't recall any information on what they consume as nourishment. They don't appear to be light dependent so something must be fueling their rapid growth, I believe. Seems like if their nourishment source was known it would be another way to "control" their population, same same as cyano and PO4 limit control. Anyone have some facts or opinions?

It's the same as any anemone ......photosynthesis and anything it can capture in the water column

 

[Ron Reefman]

+1 to what reefwars said. And those are facts, not opinions.

Photosynthesis and captured food.

 

[mcgyvr]

I have an opinion that they feed on the fear of the elderly and the dreams of infants..

But photosynthesis and filter feeding sounds more reasonable.. :shrug:

Their population certainly seems to follow the "dirtiness" of the water.. Expect aiptasia population to track nitrate levels..

 

[thegrun]

...and dirty toilet seat covers!

 

[AlSimmons]

FWIW I've got some Aiptasia living in my sump and I keep it dark down there. Food & food alone must be what's keeping these alive.

 

[jgln]

I see them close up and take in flake food when I feed my fish. Not sure if that is in reaction to the food touching them and they expel it later but I believe they are eating it.

 

[johnike]

I have an opinion that they feed on the fear of the elderly and the dreams of infants..

...and dirty toilet seat covers!

:lmao::lmao:

 

[Misled]

Just remember, you asked.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Jesse, is that an aiptasia or one of those new and super expensive Underwater Venus Flytraps that are so in demand now? :beer:

 

[johnike]

:lmao: