What the heck is this

[Teahowa]

So I'm new to the salt water hobby and I've been constantly searching the web and researching anything and everything that comes to mind. Today I noticed this creepy looking creature coming from one of my live rocks. I haven't been able to find what it is. I thought maybe some kind of worm or perhaps a small anemone living in the rock. Can anyone tell me what it is? I'd like to make sure it won't be a danger to my fish or coral. Thanks in advance !

 

[Instigate]

Aptasia

 

[Pbh-reef]

Looks like an aptasia anemone - a pest anemone that can spread fast

 

[Efranco]

Looks like Aiptasia

 

[Lovemyreef2015]

Welcome to R2R. That is a aiptasia. Pest anenome.

 

[UCF Alum]

Get some of this before it gets out of hand.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/red-...MI7L3g8u_k2QIVQ0sNCh0nAAqfEAQYASABEgLN_vD_BwE

 

[Teahowa]

Thanks for all the responses. So would it be safe to assume I should take the rock out and let it die?

 

[Mikedawg]

Yes, best if you take rock out; sometimes that is too hard to do. If so consider chemical and biological solutions such as Aiptasia x and peppermint shrimp respectively, and you do want to take action soon - they can spread quickly.

 

[UCF Alum]

Thanks for all the responses. So would it be safe to assume I should take the rock out and let it die?

I personally would not. I use Aip X religiously and have a tank full of healthy coral. You take the rock out your going to cycle the tank again.

 

[UCF Alum]

consider chemical and biological solutions such as Aiptasia x and peppermint shrimp.

What he said^

 

[Mikedawg]

Good point - If it is a small rock, however, I wouldn't think it would cause the tank to recycle

 

[Teahowa]

My tank is a new tank and it isn't well established yet. I just finished the cycle and introduced my first fish and coral. The rock is a smaller one that doesn't have any coral on it. I'm just gonna let it bake out in the sun. I still have more rock to introduce next weekend. I think I'll put it back in with that.

 

[Mikedawg]

Might want to look at this for future reference: ; pretty good summary re: treating reef pests by BRS. Of course, you'll want to dip your new corals to control (not sure pests can ever be completely eliminated, lol) unwanted "guests." Enjoy the hobby.

 

[UCF Alum]

My tank is a new tank and it isn't well established yet. I just finished the cycle and introduced my first fish and coral. The rock is a smaller one that doesn't have any coral on it. I'm just gonna let it bake out in the sun. I still have more rock to introduce next weekend. I think I'll put it back in with that.

Your tank is new. Watch out for your tank going thru a new cycle if you do this. You’re in a harmonious balance right now with new bacteria still continually reproducing. I’d let everything fizz out at this point until you have a solid bacteria base.