How to Kill Aiptasia

If you maintain a saltwater aquarium, you may have encountered a menace known as an Aiptasia anemone or glass anemone. Aiptasia stress other creatures, especially coral, because their stingers contain a toxin, according to the Rate My Fish Tank website. They attach themselves to coral at tropical pet stores and migrate to a new tank when unsuspecting aquarium hobbyists bring the coral home. Though chemicals can be used to eradicate Aiptasia, they may also harm desirable fish if used improperly. A better option is to purchase a natural predator that will kill the Aiptasia but not cause harm to other tank inhabitants.

Things You'll Need

  • Peppermint shrimp
  • Shrimp food
  • Aiptasia chemical treatment kit
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Instructions

  1. Natural Predators

    • 1

      Note the physical characteristics of the Aiptasia to properly identify it. Some anemone may be mistaken for Aiptasia, leading to applying the wrong treatment to eradicate it. Aiptasia have a disk-shaped organ at one end that serves as a mouth. Their bodies are polyp-shaped, and they have several tentacles, both long and short, with tips at the end that serve as stingers.

    • 2

      After you positively identify an Aiptasia through research or asking at a tropical fish store, purchase an effective natural predator, such as certain varieties of butterfly fish or filefish. However, another natural predator known as the peppermint shrimp (Lysmata wurdenmanni) has been most effective, according to Rate My Fish Tank. Purchase a peppermint shrimp and shrimp food from the tropical fish store. Bring the shrimp home and add it to the tank.

    • 3

      Do not feed the shrimp until it has eaten all the Aiptasia in the tank. If the shrimp eats shrimp food, it will not have an appetite for the Aiptasia. Monitor the tank closely to determine when the Aiptasia have been eradicated.

    • 4

      Once the Aiptasia are gone, feed the shrimp regularly. They are generally friendly to other sea creatures and make a nice addition to a saltwater tank.

    Chemical Treatments

    • 5

      Research or ask about the effects of the various chemicals on the other fish and plants occupying your tank. Purchase a chemical product based on your research and the potential harm to the rest of your tank.

    • 6

      Fill the syringe included with the treatment with the chemical and inject it into the Aiptasia. Be quick and careful as you target the Aiptasia; they are fast-moving and will hide in tight quarters to avoid you.

    • 7

      Monitor the tank to observe the chemical's effectiveness and remove the Aiptasia after you are certain they are dead.