How to control Aiptasia

Aiptasia sp. is a member of the anemone family often called a glass, rock or tube  anemone.  Aiptasia are an unwanted pest in marine aquariums using their stingers to  both protect themselves and for offensive purposes,  attacking corals,  fish and crustaceans.  

Aiptasia are survivors, tramping into your tank typically in rock or corals and once in, can quickly multiply, cause considerable damage, and are very difficult to eradicate. 

The best way to control or eradicate Aiptasia is to stock your tank with Aiptasia predators and let nature do the work for you. 

There is no better predator of Aiptasia than Berghia.  

This species used to be called and is still commonly referred to as Berghia verrucicornis. This nudibranch is now called Aeolidiella stephanieae, and is considered one of the best ways to eradicate Aiptasia sp. 

Berghia are a challenging animal to breed.  They are obligate consumers of Aiptasia,  If Aiptasia are present,  they will amplify,  lay eggs and grow a fairly large population.  

If your tank has a large population of Aiptasia introducing half a dozen Berghia will eradicate most of the Aiptasia in a few weeks.

Once this happens, however,  the Berghia will quickly die off from starvation.  It is highly probable that the Aiptasia will reappear.

Peppermint shrimp, file fish and butterfly fish all are able to snack on Aiptasia.  Add a few peppermint fish or your favorite file or butterfly to control and prevent another outbreak.