How to Remove and Control Aiptasia Anemones

What are Aiptasia Anemones?

Aiptasia Anemones are also referred to as Tube, Rock, and Glass Anemones due to their semi see through appearance, shape, and hiding methods. These anemones typically grow to about an inch and a half in length and multiply very quickly. They are mostly photosynthetic, but will eat small passing food particles. Aiptasia are normally seen extending out of small holes in rocks, and when disturbed, the anemone will retreat into the rock becoming virtually invisible.

Aiptasia are in fact harmful to some corals and clams. They pack a powerful punch and can get out of hand quickly. Unfortunately, Aiptasia anemones are very common in the saltwater aquarium hobby – probably 99% of hobbists have dealt with these pesky creatures. Fortunately for us, there are ways to uproot them.

Aiptasia Eating Fish and Invertebrates

Butterfly fish – most known aiptasia eating is the Copperband butterfly fish with the Racoon butterflyfish coming in at a close second.

Peppermint Shrimp – more than one may be required depending on the severity of the infestation

Berghia nudibranch – The down side to them is that they will starve to death once all of the aiptasia is gone. So if the aiptasia come back a few weeks later, you don’t have any way to control them.

Aiptasia Chemical Removal

While it is never recommended to add any chemical to your aquarium that you cannot test for, you sometimes have no choice depending on how bad your infestation is. Below are a few of the most widely used and effective types of aiptasia removal chemicals.

Red Sea Aiptasia-X	Chem-Marin Stop Aiptasia	Blue Life Aiptasia Rx	Ultralife Reef Aiptasia & Majano Remover

Other Methods of Aiptasia Control

Lemon juice injection
Gluing their cave opening shut with super glue

Remember, if you see an aiptasia anemone sprout up on your live rock, remove it as quickly as you can because these little guys spread like wild fire. 1 of the above methods will work.

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