Worm?

[edolan]

I am new to reefkeeping. Got my first corals this last weekend and put them in quarantine. One is a xenia which came attached to a piece of live rock. I noticed a hitchhiker the next day and I am trying to identify it. Any help is appreciated.

 

[jraker]

Looks like aiptasia. Get some aiptasia-x to kill it before it spreads. Either that or a matted filefish or some peppermint shrimp might eat it.

 

[edolan]

Second pic

Second pic

Thanks for you response. I was hoping not to hear aiptasia. I did think aiptasia had longer tentacles. This also seems to extend itself after lights out and retract when the lights come on. Was wondering if that is aiptasia like behavior. Here is another pic

 

[edolan]

One more pic

One more pic

Caught him extending more when I turned the lights on at night. Does anyone else have a thought on what this is or agree that it is aiptasia?

 

[Ron Reefman]

It can be a bit difficult when they are small and not extended out where they are easy to see. But my best guess is aiptasia as well. They can be a serious plague in some tanks, and in others they hardly spread at all. But if I were you, I'd kill it now.

BTW, get use to the idea of having to kill stuff in the tank. Life on the reef can be very cruel and unforgiving. Even some very pretty corals can become a PITA when they meet up with other corals.

 

[edolan]

How long before safe to assume aiptasia is gone?

How long before safe to assume aiptasia is gone?

Thanks for the replies. Now that I know it is aiptasia once I treat it (either aiptasia x or I may try peppermint shrimp) how long without any new polyps showing up can I assume my system is clear of aiptasia. I am already quarantining and have resigned myself to taking a cautious route. Has anyone had any experince in how long it takes for new aiptasia polyps to show themselves or if aiptasia can lie dormant? Thanks