In the quest to find a natural way to eliminate aiptasia anemones from saltwater aquariums, there are some marine animals that are said to devour pesky aiptasia with pleasure. However before you decide to introduce such a fish, shrimp, nudibranch, or other animal into your system, although the pro side sounds good, there are cons about them to consider as well, especially in reef tank systems.
- Most of the fish suggested will pick at and eat various types of soft and stony corals, zoanthids, sea mats, and polyps.
- Many of the animals listed naturally feed on various types of both sessile and motile invertebrates, such as other sea anemones, feather dusters and other tube worms, clams, sea urchins, and crustaceans. Those that may not, once all the aiptasia have been consumed in all likelihood will search for alternative food sources such as these as well.
- With some species being sensitive and difficult to care for in captivity, primarily due to specialized diet requirements, if you are not an experienced aquarist the animals will very often starve to death.
- Individual specimens may vary in their desire to eat the aiptasia, and the size of the anemones may be a factor too, therefore there is no "guarantee" any particular animal will "definately" eat them.
For these reasons, caution is advised when deciding to add any of these most commonly suggested animals to your aquarium for eradicating aiptasia anemones.
- Butterflyfishes: Auriga (Chaetodon auriga), Raccoon (Chaetodon lunula), Klein's (Chaetodon kleini), Long-Nosed (Genus Forcipiger species), Teardrop (Chaetodon unimaculatus), and Copperband (Chelmon rostratus).
- Filefishes: There are four species of Genus Acreichthys filefishes, but the Bristle-Tail Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus) from the Indo-Pacific region is said to be the ultimate choice aiptasia eater.
- Puffers: The Guinea Fowl (Arothron meleagris) may eat aiptasia, but it grows to a very large size, therefore the Tobies, or Sharp-Nosed species of the Canthigastrinae sub-family might be more suitable.
- Shrimps: The "true" Peppermint Shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) is by far the top choice of aquarists for eating aiptasia anemones, but the trick with this one is making sure you get the right species. Although the Camelback Shrimp (Rhynchocienetes uritai) is very often misrepresented and sold as a true Peppermint Shrimp, it is the L. wurdemanni species that usually preys on aiptasia anemones, whereas the R. uritai will most likely ignore them.
- Hermit Crabs: Almost always reef safe, and benefical algae eaters as well, in particular one or two of the more common Red Legged Hermit Crab (Dardanus megistos) might do the trick.
- Nudibranches: Berghia Sea Slugs are by far the most popular choice, because they are 100% safe, and effective when used and cared for properly. These nudibranches solely eat aiptasia, and will die without them present, which means you have take steps to ensure their survival.
Hyposalinity, and OTC Remedies
Now if you have concerns about adding any of these animals to your aquarium, there is always the option to get rid of aiptasia by means of OST (Osmotic Shock Therapy), or hyposalinity, which is easy to do, and works quite well, but is not for use in reef tank systems.
In regards to OTC remedies, we have not personally used Stop-Aiptasia™ by ChemMarin, but Luis Mercado's review provides much information about this product. Aptasia-Away™, and Tropic Marin's Elimi-Aiptas are other over-the-counter remedies that we are aware of that are specifically designed to target and kill these anemones, which are also said to be reef safe products.
Have you used either of these products? Do you know of other natural predators of aiptasia anemones? Post a message in the Forums to share any information you may have.
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