I finally got my aiptasia problem licked in my display tank. I have a Copperband, but he just wasn't going after them, probably feeding too well on other food. But I also have a couple of Pearlscale Butterfly fish in the tank, and they finally took a liking to the aiptasia. Didn't happen for many months (also too well fed), but then one started nipping at them, and before long the others joined in. Then the war was on.
And what's really great, my Copperband also got it into the act, and with his long beak, can get the ones deep in their holes better than the Pearlscales.
I used to have 100's of these ugly things all over in my tank, and now, can't see any. There are still a few hiding out here and there, I'm sure, as the butterflys continue to hunt and peck at the rocks. But at least they are not over running my tank like before.
What would be interesting is if I removed the Pearlscales, whether my Copperband would continue to keep the aiptasia in check.
I know many are concerned about butterflys nipping at corals. My Copperband doesn't touch them, just the aiptasia. The only corals that my Pearlscales touch are my palys, but not enough to stop them from growing (yet). I suspect zoas wouldn't last with them though. Stuff like leathers, colt, bubble coral, frogspawn, are all safe, though.
|