anemone ID

[carver]

This anemone apparently snuck into my reef. Anyone know what it is, and more importantly, is it safe. I keep reading about aptasia but I don't know if I have ever really seen one.Anemone

 

[todd22]

Very hard to tell due to the coloration, but I would guess it is a rock anemone. Very common and most likely would not be a problem, yet I would not rule out aptasia. My aptasia looked more green in my lighting and a few peppermint shrimp wiped them out. Now I have a pair of Peppermints that are breeding all the time. Might want to put a couple in your tank, they will eat aptasia just in case.

Good luck

 

[carver]

Dr. Gonzo: Thanks for the reply. (I was about to give up on responses) I do have a pair of peppermint shrimp in the tank although I haven't seen them for a while. This guy doesn't look like the pictures that I have seen of aptasia. The tentacles remain remain short at all times.

 

[whusband]

it may be an aiptasia - the coloring looks similar to the dozens i've removed from my tanks. mine have all looked just like this:

 

[whusband]

either way, let it grow bigger before you take it out, just to make sure it's not a keeper

 

[carver]

Huz: Thanks but the creature I have has a round disk shape and the tentacles remain very small and seem to be much more plentiful (like at least 50)than the aptasia picture you provided. The disk, including tentacles, is about the size of a half dollar (US). My problem from reading this board is that I have developed a phobia about aptasia so I fear anything new might be one!!

I'll leave him alone and hope that he does the same.

 

[danmhippo]

Another possible way to identify is if it ever reproduced itself fairly quickly.....say in weeks. So in a few weeks, you will know if you either has a tankful of aiptasia or a beautiful anemone of some sort.

Good luck to you.

 

[carver]

danmhippo: The best I can hope is that it is not aptasia. As far as pretty, it doesn't look like it will ever be that!