They do however have a taste for Aiptasia. They are, like all shrimp, scavengers and will perform as part of the cleanup crew. The Peppermint shrimp is commonly available in most local stores and are relatively easy to keep. Peppermint shrimp (left) courtesy of Gary Majchrzak Peppermint shrimp (middle) courtesy of John Susibilla Camel shrimp (right) courtesy of Greg Rothschild. Also note their different leg colors and the bright red line on the rostrum of the Camel shrimp. ![]() Notice the paler color of the Peppermint shrimp when compared with the Camel shrimp. The rostrum of the Camel shrimp (the 'beak" of the shrimp) is bright red on the Camel and white on the Peppermint. The Camel shrimp has a more vivid color and white legs, as well as a raised hump on the back, giving it its name. The distinguishing features of peppermint shrimp are the presence of pale red striping on the body and predominantly red legs. Peppermints are small red shrimp and should not be confused with the Camel shrimp, which looks very similar. Of them all, the peppermint shrimp is most likely the easiest to acquire and the fastest to begin eradicating Aiptasia. Each of these biological weapons have their own issues attached and as such the aquarist should seek the one that suits them best. There are three main weapons we can use: the Copperband butterflyfish ( Chelmon rostratus), Peppermint shrimp ( Lysmata wurdemanii) and Berghia nudibranchs ( Berghia verucornis). The amount of time lapsed in these photos is approximately 10 minutes.Īn alternative to chemical control is biological. Almost immediately, the Aiptasia begins to melt until nothing is left. Using an applicator, the Aiptasia eradication compound can be gently applied to the body. This necessitates vigilance and the knowledge that further eradications will be required. While the death of the offending Aiptasia is quick, it is impossible to treat every Aiptasia since some will be in cracks and crevices, while juveniles will be too small to see. Several of the commercial products come with specially shaped applicators allowing easy access to the body. Most of the products are a thick white paste that adheres to the Aiptasia’s body and literally dissolves it. ![]() There are several compounds on the market that effectively kill these nuisances and each has to be applied directly to the Aiptasia itself. The chemical based methods are very effective and fast, however, you can only kill the Aiptasia you can see - and more importantly reach. Both work well and have advantages and disadvantages associated with them. As you can see, the base of the nuisance anemone is often hidden in a crevice, thereby making their removal a difficult task.Īiptasia can be eradicated by a number of methods, both chemically and biologically. It is this amazing growth capability that makes these the most frequently encountered problem in marine systems.Īiptasia heavily infest this tank belonging to the author. If it wasn't for the fact that they reproduce like crazy and can overrun a tank, as well as being plain ugly, they would be the ideal beginner coral as they are almost impossible to kill. Public Enemy Number One: AiptasiaĪiptasia are small brown anemone-like creatures with an amazing resilience to bad water conditions, low light and just about every other extreme a new aquarist could subject their tank to. With that being said, let's look at the commonly encountered pests. This quick guide is only part of the story and before you begin on any eradication program I strongly suggest you read, read and read more about the problem and what you can do to overcome it. Some nuisances you need to avoid at all costs and knowing what to look for on new corals can save you a great deal of time, money and most of all- frustration. Many are easy to deal with- and after reading this article you may decide that some are worth the hassle since it allows you to keep the biological control. In writing this article I want to try to illustrate what to look for, both the symptoms and the culprit, and give an idea on how to manage these invaders. For a person new to the hobby this is a different matter. ![]() The advanced aquarists have learned through bitter experience what to look for and how to keep nuisances at bay. Pests, Parasites And Things That Go Munch In The Night, Part 1 IntroductionĪt some time in all of our reefkeeping careers we will encounter one or more pests in our systems that we will have to take measures to eradicate.
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