2- Bulb Anemone
Entacmaea quadricolor
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: Moderate to High
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Green, Tan
Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Singapore
Family: Actiniidae
The Bulb Anemone is one of the most beautiful ornamental anemones for the home reef. When housed beneath intense aquarium lighting, Entacmaea quadricolor develops a unique bulb tip at the end of its tentacles. When hungry, this member of the Actiniidae family will stretch its sweeper tentacles to grab food from the water column. After feeding, the tentacles then shorten again and take on their bulbous appearance.
Though often referred to as the Four-Colored Anemone, coloration can vary greatly from one individual to the next. Red variations may be referred to as Rose Anemones. Generally, Bulb Anemones from Fiji and Tonga are shaded in soft browns, tans, or maroon, though an occasional green specimen is found. By contrast, the Bulb Anemones from Singapore are typically green in color with a deep maroon base.
The Bulb or Bubble Tip Anemone is found in oceans around the world. The Bulb Anemone attaches its pedal disc deep within dead coral amongst rubble or on solid, living reefs. In the home aquarium, the Bulb Anemone requires similar habitat and positioned amongst deeply creviced live rock or branchy corals placed in sandy substrate. Most Bulb Anemones prefer to find their own place to settle and may move about your aquarium until a suitable location is found.
For best care, the Bulb Anemone requires strong lighting in aquariums of at least 30 gallons. Under ideal conditions, it can grow up to 1-ft in diameter. However, most typically remain compact in size when kept under bright lighting. If the lighting is insufficient, the Bulb Anemone will expand its body to make the most of the available light. It should be kept with a Clownfish for best care. At times, the tentacles of the Bulb Anemone may appear stringy; this may be due to insufficient light or the need for food. Its diet should include chopped fish, shrimp, or worms if a clownfish is not present.
Handle this invertebrate, and all Anemones, with care. The Bulb Anemone can sting other anemones and corals that infringe on its territory.
The Small bulb anemones from Fiji and Tonga are typically colored in shades of brown, tan or maroon with an occasional green specimen. The Medium and Large bulb anemones from Singapore are typically green in color and may have a maroon base.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 3", Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6"
3-Long Tentacle Anemone
Macrodactyla doreensis
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 8"
Color Form: Black, Purple, Tan
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Actiniidae
The Long Tentacle Anemone is also referred to as the Corkscrew Anemone, Sand Anemone, Red Base Anemone, and Long Tentacle Red Base Anemone. It has a similar appearance to Heteractis crispa, which has more tentacles and a tougher column. Its oral disc is usually visible and can grow up to 20" in diameter. Its tentacles are spaced further apart than other similar anemones. It is found in various forms and color patterns, but its base is usually orange to red. It is a host to clownfish, usuallyAmphiprion perideraion and A. clarki.
The Long Tentacle Anemone requires an aquarium with 4 inches of sand or rubble substrate in which it can hide.
The diet should include small pieces of fish or mussel, crustaceans, and frozen foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 6"
4-Rock Flower Anemone
Epicystis crucifer
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: Moderate
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Purple, Tan
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Phymanthidae
The Rock Flower Anemone, also known as the Rock Anemone, is a member of the Phymanthidae family. Originating from the Caribbean, these anemones are found in a wide array of colors, with the oral disc often being a different color than the rest of the anemone. The oral disc lacks tentacles, and the tentacles are often beaded in appearance.
The Flower Anemone can live singly or in groups. They prefer to live on shaded, vertical rock walls, or within the substrate. They will bury most of their body in the sand, with only the oral disc and tentacles showing. These are fairly hardy anemones that will adapt to a wide variety of lighting conditions. These anemones tend not to wander about the aquarium and are a great addition to a reef aquarium.
The Flower Anemone is a carnivore, and requires meaty foods to survive. Offer mussels and freshly chopped fish meat, as well as high quality frozen foods. Adding iodine and trace elements to the aquarium will help the Flower Anemone thrive.
Approximate purchase size: 2" to 3"
5-Ritteri Anemone
Heteractis magnifica
Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Strong
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 10"
Color Form: Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Tan
Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Stichodactylidae
The Ritteri Anemone is also referred to as the Magnificent Anemone or Heteractis Magnificent Sea Anemone. Some aquarists still refer to it as Radianthus ritteri, but this name was recently changed to the current H. magnifica. It can grow to over three feet in diameter in the wild, although it generally does not grow larger than 1½ feet in the aquarium. Its tentacles have a long, non-tapering shape that may, on occasion, appear swollen at the tips. They can almost completely retract into the base.
This Anemone requires strong lighting combined with strong, but intermittent, water movement within the tank. It generally prefers a high point in the tank to ensure it obtains all the light it needs, but it may change locations, seeking the ideal conditions. Its strong sting can harm corals. The presence of a Clownfish, such as Amphiprion perideraion, will help it acclimate. Ritteri Anemones from different locations may serve as hosts to other clownfish, and even shrimp.
The diet should include mussel, fish, crustaceans, and frozen foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 2" - 3"; Medium: 3" to 5"; Large: 5" to 10"
6-Sebae Anemone
Heteractis crispa
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Blue, Brown, White
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Stichodactylidae
Heteractis malu is known as the Sebae or Leather Anemone. It was previously named Radianthus keukenthali. Heteractis crispa may also be called the Sebae Anemone. Heteractis malu is usually light tan to brown in color, and may have purple tips on its tentacles.
Acclimation to aquarium life can be very difficult for this species and its care should only be attempted by the most experienced aquarists. In the aquarium it requires strong lighting, porous live rock, and a variety of sandy and rocky locations from which it can choose to live. The addition of a Clownfish, such as the Blue Striped Clown, Amphiprion chrysopterus, will immediately help with its acclimatization and improve its chances of survival. When healthy, it will become very sticky. If it grasps onto something (or someone), it will be very difficult to convince it to let go without damaging it.
Once acclimated, it should be fed a diet of fish, worms, clams, shrimp, and other meaty foods once a week.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6"
7-Malu Seabae Anemone
Heteractis malu
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Medium to Strong
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 8"
Color Form: Green, Pink, Red, Tan
Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tonga
Family: Stichodactylidae
The Malu Sebae Anemone is a less common form of the Sebae Anemones with its longer tentacles, and colored tips.
Malu Sebae Anemone is a delicate anemone, and easily damaged. It can also be difficult to acclimate, so its care should only be attempted by the experienced aquarists. It prefers to have a sandy substrate allowing its base to be hidden from sight. It should not be placed on a rock. It requires strong lighting, moderate water flow, porous live rock, and a variety of sandy and rocky locations from which it can choose to live. It is a moderately difficult anemone to care for, but once acclimated, it can be very hardy.
It requires feeding with a diet consisting of pieces of fish, clams, shrimp, and other meaty foods once a week.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 2" to 3" Medium 3" to 4" Large 4" to 8"
8-Haddon's Carpet Anemone, Green
Stichodactyla haddoni
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Medium
Placement: Bottom
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Green
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Family: Stichodactylidae
The Haddon's Carpet Anemone lives singly, in the shallow waters of the Indo Pacific and Red Sea. Found outside of the reef it resides in soft muddy or sandy substrate and can attain a size of up to 3 feet in diameter. This colorful Anemone is also referred to as Haddon’s Anemone, Saddle Anemone, Saddle Carpet Anemone, or Saddleback Anemone. Haddon's Carpet Anemone have short, blunt tentacles with a very potent sting, and can be distinguished from their close relatives Stichodactyla gigantea and Stichodactyla mertensii by the lack of any coloration, spots or markings on the underside of the anemone and down its column.
This anemone serves as a "host" for many types of Clownfish in the wild including: Amphiprion clarkii, A. sebae, A. akindynos, A. chrysogaster, A. chrysopterus, and A. polymnus. In the home aquarium, they can also serve as host for Amphiprion ocellaris, A. percula, and A. allardi.
The Haddon's Carpet Anemone requires a tank with strong lighting and good water movement. The aquarium should have a variety of sandy and rocky locations as this animal oftentimes can move about and seek refuge in a place it prefers. This species of Haddon's Carpet Anemone prefers to bury its foot into the sandy bottom, and will oftentimes attach itself to the bottom of the aquarium glass, where its column is completely buried in the sand for protection. When first introducing this anemone into the display, it is best to try and dig out an area of the sand bed where you prefer it will reside, while decreasing the flow rate during this time so that its not blown around the display. Doing so will allow the anemone time to settle in and bury its foot completely into the sand bed. Once in place, carefully move some sandy substrate around the column and increase the flow rate back to the normal output.
The Haddon's Carpet Anemone has a very potent sting and may harm corals and other anemones as it moves about the aquarium. It is not compatible with other anemones within a 12" diameter, so monitor it when it is first introduced into the tank. This species of Carpet Anemone can eat fish in the display aquarium so use caution when housing a Carpet Anemone in with fish other than clownfish.
When healthy, this anemone is very sticky to the touch, and when they grasp something (or someone), it is very difficult to convince it to let go without damaging the animal. It is also one of the few anemones that can cause a severe reaction in humans, so keeping one requires care in handling.
Although one of the easiest “Carpet Anemones” to care for this animal is still challenging, and is best left to the seasoned veteran aquarists. For proper care, a fully established aquarium, with perfect water chemistry, adequate flow and strong illumination, along with weekly or even daily feeding is needed. Ideal foods consist of chunks of fresh fish, uncooked shrimp, and other meaty marine foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3" to 4"; Medium: 4" to 6"; Large: 6" to 10"
9-Condy Anemone
Condylactis gigantea
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Green, Purple, Tan, White
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Actiniidae
The Condy Anemone is also known as the Haitian Anemone or Giant Golden Anemone. It is found throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, in lagoons or on inner reefs, as individuals, or loose groups. It is never found in connected clusters. Its disc diameter is of 16" (40 cm), but a disc of about 4" (10 cm) is common in an aquarium. This species has diverse color variations. The base color is usually brown to white and the tentacles may or may not have magenta, purple, or green tips on its long tapering tentacles. The tentacles may occasionally develop a bubble-like appearance to them. It prefers to bury its base in the sand or into the crevice of a rock for protection.
The Condy Anemone requires strong light and should never be purchased if a good lighting system is not in place. It will do well in an aquarium with live rock and several crustaceans. Although a Condy requires a reef environment, it is not the best suited for the reef aquarium. The Condy Anemone moves around the tank and has a sting that can inflict grave damage to other anemones and corals. Do not include its natural predator, the large Red-Leg/Stareye Hermit Crab of the genus Dardanus.
Unlike other anemones, the Condy Anemone does not have a relationship with any particular fish, and it is rare for any type of clownfish or damsel to reside within them.
The diet should include feedings of fish, mussels, shrimp, or other foods of this type.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1 1/2" - 2 1/2" Medium 2-1/2" - 3-1/2" Large 3 1/2" - 4 1/2"
10-Mini Carpet Anemone
Stichodactyla tapetum
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Green, Tan
Venomous: Yes
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Stichodactylidae
Join the Maxi-Mini revolution! Easy to keep, easy to propagate, and ranging in a rainbow of knockout color forms, The Mini Carpet Anemone turns your rock work into an aqua scape of artistic expression. Although the Mini Carpet anemone can sting like other anemones and Rhodactis mushrooms, it is not an aggressive anemone. Its small size and easy care makes it perfect for the novice aquarist and nano-aquarium enthusiasts. Unlike its larger cousins, Stichodactyla haddoni and Stichodactyla gigantea, the Mini Carpet Anemone isn't known to act as a host to clownfish species. Anemone crabs and anemone shrimp seem to enjoy them, having often been observed on and around them in the wild.
Originating from the Red Sea, the Eastern Coast of Africa continuing across the Indo-Pacific to southern Japan, then south to Great Barrier Reef, the Mini Carpet Anemone requires a tank with strong lighting and good water movement. The aquarium should have a variety of sandy and rocky locations as this animal oftentimes can move about and seek refuge in a place it prefers. Once settled into a preferred location, these anemones will normally stay put.
When healthy, this anemone is very sticky to the touch, and when they grasp something (or someone), it is very difficult to convince it to let go without damaging the animal. It is also one of the few anemones that can cause a severe reaction in humans, so keeping one requires care in handling.
For proper care, a fully established aquarium, with perfect water chemistry, adequate flow and strong illumination, along with weekly or even daily feeding will benefit your Mini Carpet anemone. Ideal foods consist of small chunks of fresh fish, small pieces uncooked shrimp, and other meaty marine foods such as Mysis and Brine shrimp.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1” - 2" Medium: 2” to 3”
11-Haitian Reef Anemone
Condylactis sp.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Tan, White
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Origin: Western Atlantic
Family: Actiniidae
The Haitian Reef Anemone, also known as the Pink-Tip Condy, is found near Haiti, in lagoons or on inner reefs, as individuals, or loose groups. It is never found in connected clusters. It has a red column with long, tapering, pink-tipped tentacles. The tentacles may occasionally develop a bubble-like appearance. Generally it likes to bury the base in the sand or into the crevice of a rock for protection.
The Haitian Reef Anemone requires strong light and should never be purchased if a good lighting system is not in place. It will do well in an aquarium with live rock and several crustaceans. Although an Anemone requires a reef environment, it is not the best suited for the reef aquarium. The Haitian Reef Anemone moves around the tank and has a sting that can inflict grave damage to other anemones and corals. Do not include its natural predators such as the Red-Leg Hermit Crab. Unlike other anemones, the Haitian Reef Anemone does not have a relationship with any particular fish, and it is rare for any type of clownfish or damsel to reside within them.
The diet should include feedings of fish, mussels, shrimp, or other foods of this type.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2" Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"
12- True Carpet Anemone - Tan
Stichodactyla gigantea
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Expert Only
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting: High
Waterflow: Strong
Placement: Bottom
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Stichodactylidae
The True Carpet Anemone has a wavy appearance, and lives singly, in the shallow waters of the Central Pacific, Indo Pacific and Red Sea. Normally found on rocky reefs with soft muddy or sandy substrate it can attain a size of up to three feet in diameter. This anemone is also referred to as the Carpet Anemone, Gigantic Sea Anemone, or Giant Carpet Anemone. It has relatively short, tapered tentacles with a milder sting than its close relativeStichodactyla haddoni. The True Carpet Anemone and can be distinguished from Stichodactyla haddoni by the rows of spots on the underside of the oral disc which stop at the column.
This anemone serves as a "host" for many types of clownfish in the wild including: Amphiprion clarkii, A. perideraion, A. akindynos, A. rubrocinctus, A.barberi, A. bicinctus, A. ocellaris, and A. percula.
The True Carpet Anemone requires a tank with very strong lighting and strong water movement. The aquarium should have a variety of sandy and rocky locations as this animal oftentimes can move about and seek refuge in a place it prefers. This species of Carpet Anemone prefers to bury its foot into the sandy bottom at the base of a rock, and it will oftentimes attach itself to the bottom of the aquarium glass, where its column is completely protected under a rock and in the sand for protection. When first introducing this anemone into the display, it is best to try and dig out an area of the sand bed at the base of a large rock where you prefer it will reside, while decreasing the flow rate for a brief period of time during so that it is not blown around the display. Doing so will allow the anemone time to settle in, so its pedal disc or foot can adhere to the rock where it is placed. Once in place, carefully move some sandy substrate around the column and increase the flow rate back to the normal output.
The True Carpet Anemone has somewhat of a potent sting and may harm corals and other anemones as it moves about the aquarium. It is not compatible with other anemones within a 12" diameter, so monitor it when it is first introduced into the tank. This species of Carpet Anemone can eat fish in the display aquarium so use caution when housing a Carpet Anemone in with fish other than clownfish.
When adjusted to the display aquarium, this anemone is very sticky to the touch, and when it grasps something (or someone), it is very difficult to convince it to let go without damaging the animal. It is also one of the few anemones that can cause a severe reaction in humans, especially when it comes in contact with areas of the skin that are more sensitive like the underside of the arms, or back of the hand.
The True Carpet Anemone is one of the most challenging to maintain in the home aquarium, and is best left to only the most experienced, veteran aquarists. For proper care, a fully established aquarium, with perfect water chemistry, adequate water flow and strong illumination, along with weekly or even daily feeding is needed. Ideal foods consist of chunks of fresh fish, uncooked shrimp, large mysis shrimp and other meaty marine foods.
Approximate Purchase Size When Fully Expanded:Small: 3" to 6"; Medium: 6" to 9"; Large: 9" to 15"
