Aiptasia?

[hifi]

Does anyone have a picture of Aiptasia when its just starting to grow? I have some dark spots on my lr & some of it looks to be growing (looks like its flowering) I had Aiptasia befor but never seen what it looks like when it starts. Can anyone help heres a pic hope it helps

 

[sufunk]

Hard to tell but doesnt look like aiptasia to me. Can you get a little closer or brighter pic?

 

[bonebrake]

Baby aiptasia looks just like adult aiptasia only smaller.
From the pic it does not look like aiptasia, but a closer and clearer photo will help in identification.
:joy:

 

[hifi]

This is about the best I can do

, it has 4 leaves & like 2 stems in the middle & its brown, looks like a flower. I have lots of it starting & wondering if I should be concerned?

 

[arsen_36]

looks like some hydroids to me but i can't tell. anyways they sting pretty bad and you should take them out. i'm not sure on how to take them out though.

 

[bonebrake]

When you say you have "lots starting" approximately how many are there?

 

[hifi]

hydroids? that does not sound fun, there are about 20+ starting the others are alot smaller
there are more Im sure :thinking: any thoughts?

 

[bonebrake]

My best guess based on the pictures and description is some type of macroalgae. Which would not be harmful. Does it look like a small plant at all?

 

[hifi]

Yes it looks like a small plant, I googled Hydroids & found this, they are small colonial animals that are often confused as plants. They grow as attached bushy growths on pilings, rocks, seaweeds and other benthic strata. The individual hydroid animals or zooids, are composed of a stem-like pedicel (A) and a flower-like hydranth (a) which usually contains a central mouth and tentacles. The zooids in most local species are similar in appearance but in some species the zooids differentiate into distinct types.
None of the pictures matched what I have, does not mean its not it. I hope not. The biggest one is about 3/4" accross & growing fast, the others are just sprouts. Any suggestions?

 

[bonebrake]

I am sticking to macroalgae. If it grows really fast and after the lights have been on awhile if you see bubbles forming on it and rising to the top it is definitely a macroalgae of some sort.

 

[thomas712]

Do these look like actual leaves like a plant? If so then you might have a form of macro algae.

 

[hifi]

There leaves kinda look like a dandelion leaf in shape & in a grop of 4 leaves & 2 stems in the middle the biggest one is about 3/4" accross. Looks like a plant, more like a weed

 

[hifi]

I had a look didnt notice any bubbles but its kinda small now. Will a lawnmower blenny eat it? I have one & he has alot to eat allready

 

[ed_]

Looks like the same green leafy thing I had growing out of my rocks. If it is, you should get any algae-eating crabs/tangs, this can grow out of control and spread through your entire tank if you don't keep it under control. But I have some SPS around it and it doesn't bother it.