Hitchhikers picture IDs

**kant** · 08-09-2009, 01:41 AM

I have my rock and sand cycling my new biocube 14. I've notice a few hitchhikers which i'd like to get an id on if anyone can help thanks.

#1 this is a transparent polyp

#2 several of these "tentacles" apear out of the same rock so i was thinking either a star or several worms?

#3 Another "tentacle" that sways, searching the rock. it compresses itself and can extend.

another view

#4 This looks like a polyp of some sort? its small with sort of red stripes or spots (a bit blurry in the center of the picture)

#5 finally this looks like a snail

thanks, this is my first tank and i dont know much about SW.

**Iron E** · 08-09-2009, 02:07 AM

In order of appearance. I'm going to say,

1) Aiptasia (bad)

2)Brittle Star (Good)

3) I forget the name of that worm but I've got a bunch of 'em. they're good guys.

4) looks like a Feather Duster also good.

5) Stomatella snail (Good)

**kant** · 08-09-2009, 02:17 AM

Any advice on removing the Aiptasia? thats the only occurance of it i see. I attempted to grab it with tweezers and it jumped into the rock. thanks.

**rayme07** · 08-09-2009, 02:39 AM

Hi Kant Welcome to TR.

One way of getting rid of Aiptasia is buying Joe's Juce or Aiptasia X. There is also a home made remedy like mixing lemon juice and hot water and injecting the Aiptasia with it. Just don't put to much in the water system or it will effect the parameters. HTH

**Dragonwolf** · 08-09-2009, 07:11 AM

Welcome to TR Kant, Joe's Juice works very well on aptasia and you are probably going to have more of them in your tank. Everyone in this forum is anti-aptasia except me--lol. I think they are kind of pretty as long as they are not near any corals because they suck the life out of them, thats what makes them bad...BUT they are also a big nitrate remover. I have many in my refugium just for this reason.