Gifted with Aiptasia

Gui Paim · May 11, 2016

Hi everyone,

I am beginning to have an aiptasia outbreak. I bought a peppermint shrimp but i don't think its lysmata wurdemanni, which based on some research is the only species that will eat aiptasia, is that correct?

I think the one i have is a lysmata boggessi but I may be wrong, what do guys think?

Will, should, he still eat it? Hes been in the tank for about 5 days now. Should i continue my pursuit of a lysmata wurdemanni or resort to Aiptasia X?

Thank you for your help!

Lionfish Lair · May 11, 2016

I'm not sure about the species, but your guy has a parasite. That lump on the one side is probably an isopod (excuse the quick detour in topic).

Saltine · May 11, 2016

I had to buy 3 until I got one that ate it, just buy a few and drop them in.

Salt

Gui Paim · May 11, 2016

Lionfish Lair said:
I'm not sure about the species, but your guy has a parasite. That lump on the one side is probably an isopod (excuse the quick detour in topic).

Do i need to get rid of him? Will it pose any danger to other fish/shrimp/corals?

Churchboy · May 11, 2016

Can't speak for others but peppermint shrimp worked for me. Bought 8 small little ones, probably half the size of yours and dropped them in and they eradicated my aiptasia infestation completely in a month. Can't even find one now. Only advice to you is to add more and be patient.

Lionfish Lair · May 11, 2016

I don't recall these parasites messing with fish at all, but the health of the shrimp is impacted.

Gui Paim · May 11, 2016

Saltine said:
I had to buy 3 until I got one that ate it, just buy a few and drop them in.

Salt

I thought of trying that but its a 14 gallon tank... is that too much? There is a blood shrimp in there also plus 4 small fish.

Gui Paim · May 11, 2016

Churchboy said:
Can't speak for others but peppermint shrimp worked for me. Bought 8 small little ones, probably half the size of yours and dropped them in and they eradicated my aiptasia infestation completely in a month. Can't even find one now. Only advice to you is to add more and be patient.

Have you had any experience with them bothering your corals?

Saltine · May 11, 2016

Gui Paim said:
I thought of trying that but its a 14 gallon tank... is that too much? There is a blood shrimp in there also plus 4 small fish.

I wouldn't think so, but I'm no shrimp expert.

reefwiser · May 11, 2016

I found and trying various methods nudibranchs, kalk paste, lasers and glue. That peppermint shrimp worked the best in my tank. You just have to wait and they slowly get to work. I didn't have a lot of aiptasia but I always try to keep ahead of them.