Help ID Anemone Please!

KelBell3113 · Aug 5, 2016

Hello, I'm new to the forums. I just bought a piece of live rock this evening and it's covered in a lot of neat little organisms. We're curious as to what type of anemone (if it's an anemone) this is (circled in white)? I'm hoping it's not a pest. Any input would be much appreciated!!

Untamedrose · Aug 5, 2016

It is an anemone....but a common pest one an aiptasia. They arnt bad as one or two, some are even kinda pretty....but can quickly turn into thats all your tank is made of. Best to get rid of them while they are one or two.

KelBell3113 · Aug 5, 2016

That sucks. We thought it might be but wanted to be sure. It is pretty but we don't want it taking over. What's the most effective way to get rid of them? Thank you for your help!

Untamedrose · Aug 5, 2016

Well there are lots of methods...

Natural: some peppermint shrimp will eat them. Copperbanded butterflys will(but will also pick at other stuff in your tank so depends upon what you have what you want) Boiling water, just that boil the mess out of some water and burn them out with a baster kinda thing.

Chem: Kalkwasser made into paste into the mouth(works the best IMO but watch ph levels), lemon juice injections, superglue them big old dob preferable over mouth but over hole will do it most times.

etc none of them are perfect.

anonna · Aug 5, 2016

Untamedrose said:
It is an anemone....but a common pest one an aiptasia. They arnt bad as one or two, some are even kinda pretty....but can quickly turn into thats all your tank is made of. Best to get rid of them while they are one or two.

Agree. Aiptasia can take over rather quickly if you aren't careful. I have had great luck putting putty directly on the aiptasia. They can actually pop back up through another opening on the rock - so I usually throw in some peppermint shrimp for safe measure after covering it up with putty.

KelBell3113 · Aug 5, 2016

Thank you both! I'm going to go buy a peppermint shrimp tomorrow. My only other question is will the peppermint shrimp eat other types of anemones? We'd like to have a good anemone when we get clown fish.

anonna · Aug 5, 2016

KelBell3113 said:
Thank you both! I'm going to go buy a peppermint shrimp tomorrow. My only other question is will the peppermint shrimp eat other types of anemones? We'd like to have a good anemone when we get clown fish.

Nope! I have flower & bubble tips - my pep shrimp leave them alone