Aptasia or something else?

[codymichae1]

Hey guys! I know it’s asked all the time but I’m trying to figure out what this is. I’ve looked through pics and posts and just can’t find something that looks extremely identical. It’s the only one in the tank as well and it’s kinda large… Aptasia, paly… something else? The center head is about 3/4” wide and the whole thing with the tentacles is about 2” wide.

 

[T-J]

Aiptasia.

 

[LexMueller]

110% aptasia. Pull it out

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

just 1,that big? is that rock new?

 

[Mikedawg]

Yep, aiptasia. Look closely at your rock work; if you have one you most likely have others.

 

[codymichae1]

Yep, aiptasia. Look closely at your rock work; if you have one you most likely have others.

You are correct, I see like 10 little tiny ones on the same rock. I don't know how they got in but I think I might need a filefish or something for this

 

[Mikedawg]

You are correct, I see like 10 little tiny ones on the same rock. I don't know how they got in but I think I might need a filefish or something for this

Yeah, file fish or the "real" peppermint shrimp. I tried all the chemicals without much luck and then found some peppermints that did the job.

 

[Staghorn]

I’d you can take that rock out and nuke it outside the tank it would be your best bet. Even though filefish work and peppermint shrimp sometimes work. You will save yourself some stress by getting rid of them now.

 

[jaganshi066]

Yeah, file fish or the "real" peppermint shrimp. I tried all the chemicals without much luck and then found some peppermints that did the job.

I tried peppermints but they never worked

 

[Mikedawg]

I tried peppermints but they never worked

Yeah, I only had success on the third try; guess best strategy is to keep them hungry....But worth it and I like the diversity, etc. shrimp add.

 

[T-J]

I'm having success with Berghia Nudis. They only eat Aiptasia. They're not cheap, but they get the job done, and no side effects.
I purchased 6 medium ones from Salty Underground. I plan on getting some more if the initial 6 aren't clearing them out fast enough.

 

[jaganshi066]

Yeah, I only had success on the third try; guess best strategy is to keep them hungry....But worth it and I like the diversity, etc. shrimp add.

They started flipping over my snails and eating them

 

[Hugh Mann]

Aiptasia.

My suggestions.
If possible, pull the rock they’re on and nuke it, let it dry out or boil it. Hopefully they haven’t spread, but they likely have.
From my reading peppermints are hit and miss, same with just about everything that supposedly eats it. The only surefire way are berghia nudibranches.
My 55 was absolutely covered in a carpet of aiptasia. Bought 4 berghias. 3 months later I had dozens of berghia and no aiptasia.

 

[Just John]

Take out the rock - looks small enough. Aiptasia will squirt out "babies" if scared, so don't upset them inside the tank.