What the heck is this

Teahowa · Mar 11, 2018

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 · Mar 11, 2018

Aptasia

Pbh-reef · Mar 11, 2018

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

Efranco · Mar 11, 2018

Looks like Aiptasia

Lovemyreef2015 · Mar 11, 2018

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

UCF Alum · Mar 11, 2018

Get some of this before it gets out of hand.

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

Teahowa · Mar 11, 2018

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

Mikedawg · Mar 11, 2018

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 · Mar 11, 2018

Teahowa said:
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 · Mar 11, 2018

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

What he said^

Mikedawg · Mar 11, 2018

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

Teahowa · Mar 11, 2018

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 · Mar 11, 2018

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 · Mar 11, 2018

Teahowa said:
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.