Can Someone Identify This? Thanks!

delfinparis · 11/06/2006, 05:57 PM

I have a 30 gal reef with fish/corals, and over the last year have been noticing these little guys sprouting up all over the place.

They kind of resemble my Xenia, but I don't know what they are.

Are they good/bad/indifferent to the tank?

Also, yesterday I caught a brown centipede-looking guy (I'm guessing a worm of some sort) darting in and around my rock. I don't know if I can snap a picture, but again, I don't know if this is good or bad for the tank.

Also, just yesterday I found a starfish (little and white) attached to the back of my glass! Have no idea where that came from, maybe from the GARF Grunge, or sandbed, or wherever.

Anyway, any help the group can give me would be greatly appreciated!

My levels are all normal and I top-off every day with RO.

Thanks!

(Sorry for the quality of the picture, but I'm hoping it's clear enough for someone to identify!)

DaveP · 11/06/2006, 06:00 PM

aptasia anenome.
They can spread like wild fire and sting your corals.
I would get rid of it. A good injection of Kalk will do the trick. They are a little difficult though because they are quick to retreat!

illcssd · 11/06/2006, 06:04 PM

(edit): Davep beat me too the aipastia id.

The picture is an aipastia anemone.
in the search, just type in aipastia, you will find tons and tons and tons of info on these guys.
No good tho, if you feed your tank they can spread like mad and there sting is a killer to other corals.

Did the worm thing look kinda like it had a bunch of bristles on it?
Like sticker things?
If so its a bristle worm and they are good for your tank, They help clean up the tank and are no harm at all.
The starfish is fine, its just something that comes in on the rock or the garf grunge you got. he is also no harm.
Your only worry is the aipastia anemone you posted the pics ou have. Since you have only a few, look for joe's juice, it is very good at taking out small amounts of these pests.

Paintbug · 11/06/2006, 07:16 PM

the pic is an Aiptasia anemone. you want to get rid of it quickly. they spread fast and will take over the tank.

the worm could be numorous worms, so without a pic its impossible to get an ID

the starfish is probably an Asterina starfish, most the time they are just algae eaters.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-0...ture/index.php

11/06/2006, 05:57 PM	#1
delfinparis Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 93	Can Someone Identify This? Thanks! I have a 30 gal reef with fish/corals, and over the last year have been noticing these little guys sprouting up all over the place. They kind of resemble my Xenia, but I don't know what they are. Are they good/bad/indifferent to the tank? Also, yesterday I caught a brown centipede-looking guy (I'm guessing a worm of some sort) darting in and around my rock. I don't know if I can snap a picture, but again, I don't know if this is good or bad for the tank. Also, just yesterday I found a starfish (little and white) attached to the back of my glass! Have no idea where that came from, maybe from the GARF Grunge, or sandbed, or wherever. Anyway, any help the group can give me would be greatly appreciated! My levels are all normal and I top-off every day with RO. Thanks! (Sorry for the quality of the picture, but I'm hoping it's clear enough for someone to identify!)

11/06/2006, 06:04 PM	#3
illcssd Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 1,295	(edit): Davep beat me too the aipastia id. The picture is an aipastia anemone. in the search, just type in aipastia, you will find tons and tons and tons of info on these guys. No good tho, if you feed your tank they can spread like mad and there sting is a killer to other corals. Did the worm thing look kinda like it had a bunch of bristles on it? Like sticker things? If so its a bristle worm and they are good for your tank, They help clean up the tank and are no harm at all. The starfish is fine, its just something that comes in on the rock or the garf grunge you got. he is also no harm. Your only worry is the aipastia anemone you posted the pics ou have. Since you have only a few, look for joe's juice, it is very good at taking out small amounts of these pests. __________________ --Austin 60g Ecotech anemone cube;

11/06/2006, 07:16 PM	#4
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	the pic is an Aiptasia anemone. you want to get rid of it quickly. they spread fast and will take over the tank. the worm could be numorous worms, so without a pic its impossible to get an ID the starfish is probably an Asterina starfish, most the time they are just algae eaters. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-0...ture/index.php __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

11/06/2006, 06:00 PM	#2
DaveP Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 323	aptasia anenome. They can spread like wild fire and sting your corals. I would get rid of it. A good injection of Kalk will do the trick. They are a little difficult though because they are quick to retreat!