Hi! What am I?

[Anonymous]

I'm terrible at this....Can someone look at this and tell what it is?

 

[Anonymous]

Pic with a flash would be better. It looks like an aiptasia anemone.

 

[Anonymous]

Anenomebuff,

Are we the only ones awake? LOL!

I see you also answered my 'crab ate my snail' post. Thanks.

As for this Aiptasia, I've seen it described as a nucience(sp). I've only got an Emerald crab, Pink tip Anenome, and Flame Scallop. Will these grow or multiply? What do they eat?

Thanks for the opinions!

Anne

 

[Anonymous]

I think it is aptaisia as well. If so, then it is a nuisance and yes it will multiply, you will want to remove it.

You picture is kind of dark so it is hard to tell, here is a photo of one on a rock to compare to.

Since it is growing in the sand, is there any way you could try and scoop it out? Maybe it does not have a hold of a solid surface yet, that would be nice.

 

[Anonymous]

Is it wrong of me to want to keep it? LOL

Let's say it never moves and is definatly in the sand bed. Is there any real harm?

I'm so new to this!!

Anne

 

[Anonymous]

They are a real PITA. Syphon it out if you can.

 

[Nanogasm]

If the aptaisa just stayed as one, then yes, they are kinda cool. But no... that innocent looking thing in your sand will dominate your tank if left unattended. They are the weed of saltwater.

The added nasty part is that they are one of the stronger stinging organisms you'll have in your tank, so they make some heavy grief for any corals.

And.. they are not easy to remove once established. Hence why Laura D mentioned about scooping it out of the sand. If they root into rock, they suck themselves into crevices when they sense trouble.

Also... any form of trauma to its body and it expells spores into your water stream which makes it multiply.

Fortunately, there is quite a bit of info on the website about these critters and how to get rid of them. You definately want to remove it.

You can use Kalkwasser paste injected into it base, or Joe's Juice (a marketed product found in many LFS) squirted into its mouth. Some have claimed success using vinegar and boiling water injected into them. Also, Peppermint shrimp have been known to munch on them, but some say it is a hit and miss. If you use injection methods, be sure to turn off your water flow.. as mentioned they reproduce exponentially when you traumatize them, so keep your current from spreading the spores.

For you however, if it is still in the sand simply scoop it out... before he wanders over to a rock and becomes tougher to nab.

 

[Anonymous]

Just another vote to get rid of it.

I usually let a hitchiker critter stay until it proves to be trouble, but you don't want these in your tank, it will spread, and sting your corals. For sure.

 

[Anonymous]

This latest info is quite compelling, thank you for it!

I won't lie and say it will be easy for me, I'm kinda a baby about just killing stuff.

I hear you tho..
Thanks again,
Anne