Aiptasia Outbreak, Natural methods help

[posittron]

There's an outbreak of Aiptasia in my tank. I'm looking to get a filefish or a CBB. Will all CBBs/all filefishes eat aiptasia? Which one of the two has a better chance?

 

[Paul B]

No, I have some aiptasia in with a ten year old copperband. He ignores them.

 

[Phycodurus]

copperbands and filefish are not obligatory aiptasia-eaters, so it’s hit-or-miss on successful eradication with individual specimens of those fish. same applies to peppermint shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni C.)

Berghia nudibranchs are obligatory aiptasia eaters. these are best for a substantial outbreak, and you may first want to check a local reef club that may rotate around Berghia among members, before buying your own.

[edit: copperbands are fairly docile fish; it would be ill-advised to add one to an established tank, esp. one with territorial tankmates. respectfully, rick]