what the heck are you?!?

[Triggerhappy77]

1507396140286-473204898

• Triggerhappy77
• Oct 7, 2017
• 3

Anemone?

This piece of rock that had a devil's hand leather attached to it from the lfs has something growing out of it now. Any ideas? They look like anemone to me.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Unfortunately my friend, that is aiptasia. Yes, an anemone, and a relatively bad one at that. Some people can keep them under control with peppermint shrimp or other natural predators, but if they haven't spread yet, your safest course of action may be to remove the rock infested with them. Whatever you do, dont try to remove them manually while the rock is still in the tank. If you do, they will almost definitely spread.

 

[Flippers4pups]

aiptasia anemone. Bad guy.

 

[Triggerhappy77]

Took the rock out and threw it away. Could only see 2 of them but I'm still really worried.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Took the rock out and threw it away. Could only see 2 of them but I'm still really worried.

Probably a smart move. How long was the rock in the tank for?

 

[wowkingjames]

Don't throw it away let the rock dry for a week and it's safe to put in. clean it by scrubbing it well before you put it back.

 

[Triggerhappy77]

Probably a smart move. How long was the rock in the tank for?

Jeez! Almost 2 months.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Jeez! Almost 2 months.

Oh... yeah, keep a close eye on things. If it's something you want (and a responsible move for you tank) a peppermint shrimp may not be a bad idea. While they aren't a 100% sure fire way to control aiptasia, they are far more likely to eat young anemones as opposed to mature ones.