Please identify hitchhiker

[loogie]

This guy appeared in one of my rocks a day after I started the tank. It has begun to get pretty hardy and I have also noticed some baby ones on another rock. Anyone have any ideas what it is? Sorry for the blurry picture. It retracts into the rock at night and will grab fish flakes with its tentacles.



Thanks for your help

[ajx22]

Do a search for Aiptasia

Not a good hitchhiker...as they multiply rapidly, and sting other tankmates. They are something that you want to deal with quickly, otherwise, they can overrun a tank very quickly.

[loogie]

Thank you for your reply. I had seen those posts but wasn't sure if that was the same thing that I had. Seems like the peppermint shrimp aren't working for me. I may get another shrimp to see if that will work. In the meantime I am going to shoot the bigger one with vinegar.

Thanks again

[NanoReefaholic]

Keep in mind that peppermints are a hit or miss. Good luck with the vinegar, but it may be a work in progress.

[Dene]

....mix up some kalk paste and dab it right on the aiptasia, this will "burn" it and and offspring around the base.

[loogie]

Well the vinegar worked wonders. It killed the larger one and did a good job on the smaller one's. I think I didn't get a good shot on the smaller one's. I am going to be moving in a week so the tank will be drained for the move. I may take the two rocks that these are on and treat them before I put them back in.

Thanks again for all your help.