Majano Anemone Pest Guide
Anemonia majano is a small pest anemone that stings corals and can overrun a reef tank; this guide covers identification and control.
Overview
Anemonia majano, the Majano anemone, is a small, light-brown pest anemone with short tentacles and a short stalk, and it often shows bubble tips. Coloration is commonly green or brown. Like Aiptasia, it can overrun a reef tank, especially in a well-fed system, and it stings and burns corals it contacts.
Taxonomy
- Family: Actiniidae
- Genus: Anemonia
- Scientific name: Anemonia majano
- Common names: Majano, pest anemone
Why it is a problem
Majano anemones sting and burn any corals they touch and reproduce quickly, making them a significant pest that requires prompt action when discovered. They spread most aggressively in heavily fed tanks.
Control methods
- Manual removal: pull off with tweezers or cut out with a scalpel or razor blade, removing every portion
- Chemical injection: hot water, vinegar or a commercial product
- Biological controls: Aiptasia-eating filefish or peppermint shrimp
Prevention
- Carefully examine and clean all rock before adding it to the tank
- Quarantine new corals and live rock
- Avoid leaving any foot fragment, which can regrow into a new anemone