Pest?

wrassyreefer · Apr 30, 2017

This is a feather white little thing shaped like an umbrella pointing in the air. Looks like it it sticking out of the sand right next to a new frag that I got. I think it goes back in the sand when I checked it a minute ago but then reappears. Any thoughts? Sorry the pic is really hard to get clarity on...

wrassyreefer · Apr 30, 2017

Little clearer...

blkhawk10 · Apr 30, 2017

looks like aiptasia from what I think I can see...maybe a feather duster? Hard to tell from the pics.

KJ · Apr 30, 2017

Aiptasia.

wrassyreefer · Apr 30, 2017

Well this is definitely what I think I am seeing so that was helpful.

Now for the aiptasia I can see it but feel like this has the strings a lot closer and straighter. I'll keep an eye on it. Would Aiptasia disappear for a minute like a defense mechanism and then show up? Or does it stay no matter if you mess with it or not?

Thanks!

KJ · Apr 30, 2017

wrassyreefer said:
Would Aiptasia disappear for a minute like a defense mechanism and then show up?

Yes.

CastAway · Apr 30, 2017

Looks like a feather duster, to me.

If it's an aiptasia, and it's truly in your sand, it's an easy fix. Move the plug of Zoas out of the way, and when it comes out, just take a pinch of the sand where it's at and throw it away.

If it's a feather duster, it's tube may be attached to the underside of the plug. You should be able to see it if so.

I suppose the duster could be in the sand, but doubt it.

Let's us know. [emoji6]

LbulletM · Apr 30, 2017

+1 on the feather. Arms look too thin to be an Aiptasia.

wrassyreefer · Apr 30, 2017

So took out the plug to see if I could locate it and I did not see it anywhere. Used tweezers on something hanging out but it was not it because within 1 minute of putting it back in (the original spot) it popped back out ha

wrassyreefer · Apr 30, 2017

I did uncover something growing really close to the actual zoa up on the plug right next to the zoa body. You can actually see it right below the left polyp that is closed in the original photo...that could be aiptasia or maybe something else...looks like a tiny plant and I cant see a stem anywhere

wrassyreefer · Apr 30, 2017

And feather duster haha. Thanks for the help on that!

You can see the other organism/plant kind of in here...reddish with little arms maybe 10 arms on it really tiny though and wedged under the actual zoa. Not sure how I should remove it or if it's harmless. Aiptasia spreads like crazy but how? If it's on a plug how does it get to the rest of the tank?

Thanks again all!