Unknown pests

[tlanz]

I’m hoping you can help me figure out what this growth is. It looks like some sort of spider that retracts whenever I try and remove it. I have about 20 of these in my 75 gl reef tank. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them? The tank is about a year old with mostly soft coral and LPS.

 

[Cherry Bomb]

Aiptasia I think. If you search the forums, you will see ways to get rid of it I’m sure. I hear they spread fast.

 

[Michael Naegeli]

Aptasia... get rid of them ASAP. Try adding some peppermint shrimp. I actively search them out and hit them w Aptasia x before they r able to reproduce. Can get out of control Very quickly! So I would start finding each and everyone of them and kill them off.

 

[Rispa]

What do they do that causes them to have such a bad rap?

 

[Carterfish]

What do they do that causes them to have such a bad rap?

They sting corals and spread fast and basically are an eyesore too

 

[Carterfish]

Peppermint shrimp and butterfly fish eat them.

 

[tlanz]

@Carterfish are butterfly fish reef safe? I have mostly softies and LPS.

 

[Gareth elliott]

No butterflies that eat aptasia are always reef safe.
You can limit the chances by keeping them well fed and selecting the right species but, there is always a chance they take a liking to polyps.

Berghia Nudibranchs are also another option, after your infestation is over sell or gift them to another reefer with the same problem.

 

[samnaz]

And once you have rid your tank of aiptasia be sure to dip and inspect all incoming livestock with a magnifying glass, to prevent future outbreaks.

 

[tlanz]

Aiptasia X did the trick. A few days later and I’m only seeing a couple left that I missed. I killed off about 30 of them. I’ve got 2 peppermint shrimp now added to the tank so if they don’t get the remaining pieces in the next couple days I’ll use the aiptasia x again. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[Thirdeyesight17]

I'd keep an eye out on the peppermints after the aiptasia is gone. Some have been known to pick at corals. Ended up taking the two I had back after they continued to nip at some of my lps. I know camel shrimp are often sold as peppermints but haven't had any issues since I removed them.