Aiptasia, commonly known as glass anemones, are a frequent sight in saltwater aquariums. These small, resilient anemones can spread rapidly, posing a challenge for many hobbyists. They reproduce quickly and withstand various conditions, making them a persistent presence. Understanding their nature is the first step in managing their presence.
What is Aiptasia?
Aiptasia are small, stinging sea anemones, similar to corals and jellyfish. They typically have a translucent body, often brownish or tan, due to symbiotic algae. Their slender tentacles radiate from a central oral disc, giving them a feathery or palm tree-like appearance.
They usually range from a few millimeters to a couple of inches, growing larger in nutrient-rich conditions. Aiptasia commonly attach to live rock, substrate, aquarium walls, or equipment, making them difficult to spot. They quickly retract into crevices when disturbed, a defense mechanism that makes them challenging to remove.
Why Aiptasia is a Concern
Aiptasia are a pest in saltwater aquariums due to their aggressive nature and rapid spread. Their tentacles contain potent stinging cells (nematocysts) that can harm nearby corals, sessile invertebrates, and small fish or shrimp. This stinging damages coral tissue, causing retraction and stress.
Aiptasia reproduce rapidly, both sexually and asexually through pedal laceration. Even small fragments can regenerate into new anemones, allowing them to quickly overrun a tank and compete for space and resources. An unchecked population can carpet rock surfaces, displace other organisms, and harm a healthy reef aquarium.
Controlling Aiptasia
Controlling Aiptasia involves several methods, ranging from manual removal to chemical and biological interventions. Manual removal, such as siphoning or scraping, can be attempted, but care is needed as small fragments can regenerate. If attempting manual removal, turning off pumps can help prevent fragments from dispersing throughout the tank.
Chemical treatments offer a targeted approach, with commercially available products designed to eradicate Aiptasia. These typically involve injecting a paste-like solution directly into the anemone’s mouth or covering it. Popular options include Aiptasia-X, Frank’s F-Aiptasia, and Joe’s Juice, which smother or kill the anemone. Solutions like calcium hydroxide (Kalkwasser) or even lemon juice can also be injected, but monitoring water parameters is important with Kalkwasser due to its potential to raise pH. Turning off aquarium pumps during application is advised to prevent the solution from spreading to other tank inhabitants.
Biological control methods utilize natural predators that consume Aiptasia. Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) are a popular choice, known for eating smaller Aiptasia, though not all individuals will consistently consume them, and some may occasionally pick at corals if underfed. Berghia Nudibranchs (Berghia verrucicornis) are highly effective and exclusively eat Aiptasia, but they are small, nocturnal, and will starve once the Aiptasia population is eliminated. Certain fish, like the Aiptasia-eating Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus) or Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus), can also be effective, but their effectiveness can vary, and they may pose risks to other invertebrates or be difficult to keep.
Preventing Future Outbreaks
Preventing Aiptasia from entering an aquarium or re-establishing itself requires proactive measures. A common way Aiptasia enters a tank is by hitchhiking on new live rock, corals, or invertebrates. Thoroughly inspecting all new additions before placing them into the main display tank is a good practice.
Establishing a quarantine tank for new live rock, corals, and invertebrates is a highly recommended preventative step. Allowing new additions to reside in a separate tank for a period, typically 30 days, provides an opportunity to observe for any hidden Aiptasia and treat them before they can spread to the main system. Maintaining good water quality and avoiding overfeeding can also help, as excess nutrients can contribute to Aiptasia growth and proliferation.