Identifying Possible Pest Anemone – 2/19/08
<Hello>
I recently ordered a bag of red algae from my LFS (I don't know what kind) and found a small anemone attached to a piece of it.
<Uh-oh>
I don't know much about anemones (just enough to say it is one) and I've looked at several pictures but they all look the same to me!
<Heee! Once you look at enough of these things you’ll start to see the differences, especially when it comes to differentiating the "pests" from the "desirables"). It just takes some experience/research and close observation. For instance, Aiptasia has slender, pointed tentacles. Not all anemones have these.>
I suppose it looks just like the Aiptasia in shape and size, (it's small, about 1/3 inch wide) but it is a pale gray color. I have put it in my quarantine tank and have been feeding it brine/Mysis pieces until I can find out. Please help!
<Hmmm, this is where a photo would really come in handy. What you have could indeed be Aiptasia (and likely is!). They’re extremely common hitchhikers that are usually a translucent light to pale brown, although I’ve seen darker versions as well as some that were almost colorless. I’ve never seen a gray one, but depending on lighting, it’s possible that one could appear so. Also, some species have what appear to be stripes on the tentacles. What they all have in common is that they’re pests! Please see the photos at these links (as well as those at the highlighted links above) for comparison:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/aiptasidfaq2.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anempt2.htm
I’d go on the theory that “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…” it’s a Ummm.. pest anemone and I’d get rid of it! I’d also check for others as well within the algae. Hope this helps. Please let me know if you need any additional information or assistance. By the way, if you're able to get a good photo, I'd be happy to take a look at it. Take care, -Lynn>