Genus
Common name: Aiptasia
Scientific name: Aiptasia
Aiptasia is a genus of small, aggressive and highly invasive anemones often considered pests in the reef aquarium hobby. They reproduce quickly and can overrun a tank, outcompeting more desirable coral species for space and resources. Aiptasia have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic zooxanthellae, which allows them to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. They can be difficult to eradicate once established, but natural predators like peppermint shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) or the copperband butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) can help control their population.