Understanding Anemone Choices

Most every reef hobbyist wants an anemone with clownfish.  Understandably as this relationship is one of the most fascinating spectacles to watch.  Let's look at some anemones available in stores/on-line & see why they are a good or bad choice:

Carpet anemones.  Many stores sell them but few tell you they are almost always a monster in a reef tank…unless you don’t mind not having other fish other than the few that are symbiotic to them like a couple of clown & damsel species!  ALL new fish introductions are at risk because the carpet can & will catch anything that even lightly bumbles into it…i.e., cleaner shrimp, spooked or scared fish etc.  It doesn’t matter what size fish either.  If a large fish bumbles into it, it’s gone.  I always recommend that if you really want a carpet (some are most beautifully colored!) then set up a specimen tank for it.  It’s really the only safe way.

Long Tentacle & Tube anemones:  Again, commonly seen in store, these 2 anemones are more examples of true fish eaters & both need the same setup as the carpet.  I've heard it said that there shouldn't be a problem if the anemone is well fed.  WRONG!  Just the opposite!  Well fed = healthier = more "sticky" & able to catch fish better!  Understand that in the wild (& in our tanks) anemones are opportunistic feeders & will grab anything they can at any time because who knows when the next meal will bumble by.  Fed or not, it's just a matter of "when", not IF they will get one of your prized fish.

Sebae anemones.  Often sold as a "white" anemone with pink or purple tips.  So pretty... & so dying.  No healthy anemones are pure white.  Those that are have expelled their zooanthellae algae as a result of stress from improper handling, poor water quality, lack of lighting etc.  Once at this point of deterioration there's little hope of reversing/saving.  Buyer Beware!

Bubble Tip anemones.  Wonderful Anemones to keep!  Every clownfish species will snuggle a BTA!!  Found in browns, different shades of green and the rare rose color variations.  Known & many times identified by it's ability to inflate & create a "bubble" at or near the end of it's tentacles.  Note:  They can also elongate their tentacles and not display bubble tips as seen in the Rose BTA to the right.

The only negative thing I've ever heard or seen about a BTA is they like to wander around a tank.  All anemones have the ability to move & BTA's are surely no exception.  BUT, they move for a reason which is usually a result of inadequate placement/conditions created by the hobbyist.  Many times they'll move to an area that’s really not good for them.  That’s when we have to go in & “rescue” them.  BTA’s don’t need intense lighting as they are collected from deeper waters so should be placed on the bottom next to the rock base in a protected area where they're not exposed to irritating hard water flow (which would make him want to move away from it).  A tip is to shut off your system for about 1/2 hour to quiet the water when placing them.  This gives them time to hang onto the rocks around them so when you turn the system back on they are less likely to "blow/bumble away" from the spot you put them in.  Holes or crevices behind them should be blocked to help prevent him from crawling into the rock structure where they can't receive light.  Placing a couple small rocks around their foot may also help to make it stay put.  It may still move & might take a few tries before they settle in where it’s good for them.  They're worth it though!  They can even make you $ by propagating itself!  Babies are a common event with BTA's and yes, AquaCorals will buy them from you!  :0)

Without going through every species available just know that most of the other anemone species offered are too difficult to keep, mostly due to their demanding light & feeding requirements &/or are too aggressive/potential fish killers.  Only highly experienced hobbyists with aged tanks, extreme lighting & a solid commitment to feeding should attempt the other species.

Bottom line...I cannot justify selling an anemone to a customer knowing that there’s at least a 75%+ chance of it dying within a couple months….where if it had been left in the ocean would have lived for hundreds of years & been a home to countless little clownfish.  A HUGE problem is the over collection of anemones.  Baby clowns (as well as adults that make babies) die for lack of a protective home in the ocean.  Again, BTA’s not only thrive, but procreate in our aquariums too, so what better species to offer!  Remember... all clownfish species are known to go to them!  :0)

We, the individual hobbyists, are solely responsible for the choices we make concerning our reef aquarium hobby. We need to be informed, ethical & make appropriate decisions concerning the systems we set up & the livestock we choose to keep.  Be ethical & stick with BT anemones.

AquaCorals has Bubble Tip Anemones In Stock!  Stop in and get one!  :c)