Host Anemones
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| Entacmaea quadricolor hosting a Amphiprion percula |
Introduction
Host anemones are a group of anemones (water dwelling, predatory animals of the order Actiniaria) with which Anemonefish (Clownfish) will associate naturally in the wild. The image of a clownfish swimming within the tentacles of an anemone is one of the most enduring in the marine aquarium hobby. For many, it is one of the things that attracts them to the hobby in the first place.
General Requirements
Sea Anemones are believed to be very long lived in the wild. If you have a wild caught specimen it could easily be a hundred or more years old, since size is no real indication of age. Therefore, it is incumbent on the hobbyist to ensure that they have an appropriate level of knowledge and an appropriate aquarium system before acquiring an anemone.
The requirements of the sea anemone, which are considerably more demanding than those of the fish which they host, are often not fully understood. Requirements will vary depending on the anemone species. Some, such as Bubble-Tipped Anemone (BTA) are tolerant of a broader range of water conditions, while others (such as Heteractis magnifica require much stronger lighting and water movement. All anemones need a stable tank, this includes salinity, temperature and pH.
Host anemones generally require medium to strong water flow, however this flow should not be directed straight at the anemone. Diffuse flow like that of a propeller pump is better than the shear laminar flow from a conventional powerhead.
It is best to target at least moderate levels of lighting, as better lighting is said to correlate to better chances of survival in captivity. Again, for certain species like Heteractis magnifica and carpet anemones, high intensity lighting is recommended.
It is critical that the intakes of all pumps and piping are well protected to prevent the anemone from becoming entangled. An anemone which is not provided with an adequate environment will tend to wander in search of better conditions. Their soft tissue and slow pace of movement provide absolutely no protection from the fast moving mechanical parts of a pump. A mangled, dying anemone has the potential to crash an entire system in a very short period of time.
If considering the purchase of an anemone, try a get a tank raised one. Bubble-Tipped anemones will often divide (asexual reproduction) in aquariums, and many hobbyists have multiple specimens that they will be prepared to sell.
Note On Hosting
On a somewhat grammatically pedantic note, host can be both a verb and a noun, and is something that applies to anemones, not anemonefish.
- Anemones host anememonefish,
- Anemones can be a host to anemonefish; but
- Anemonefish do not "host in" anemones.
Species
The following are the species of anemones that act as a host for clownfish in the wild:
- Cryptodendrum adhaesivum - Adhesive Anemone / Pizza Anemone
- Entacmaea quadricolor - Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA) / Rose Anemone / Maroon Anemone
- Heteractis magnifica - Ritteri Anemone / Magnificent Anemone
- H. crispa - Sebae Anemone / Leathery Anemone
- H. aurora - Beaded Anemone
- H. malu - Delicate Anemone / Hawaiian Sebea / White Sand Anemone ***often confused with H. crispa***
- Macrodactyla doreensis - Corkscrew Anemone / Long Tentacled Anemone
- Stichodactyla haddoni - Haddons's Carpet Anemone / Sand Carpet Anemone
- S. mertensii - Merten's Carpet Anemone
- S. gigantea - Giant Carpet Anemone
- S. helianthus - Caribbean Sun Anemone / Sun Anemone
Gallery
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Entacmaea quadricolor, Bubble Tip Anemone -
Heteractis magnifica, Magnificent Anemone -
Stichodactyla gigantea hosting three Amphiprion ocellaris -
Stichodactyla haddoni, Carpet Anemone -
Stichodactyla haddoni, Carpet Anemone, purple version -
Stichodactyla mertensii, Carpet Anemone -
Care and Behavior
- Anemone Feeding - what to feed your anemone, and why its important
- Anemone reproduction - splitting and spawning in captive anemones.
- Anemones hosting clownfish - information on the anemonefish - clownfish symbiosis
- Anemone Bleaching
- See also Anemonefishes for related inhabitants.
Resources
- Anemone fish and their host sea anemones
- The Anemone FAQ
- 2003 Anemone Survey - The Breeders Registry
- Clownfish and Anemone Compatibility Guide - reefs.org
FAQ
My anemone is hiding, what should I do?
This is a common stress response in anemones, particularly Entacmaea quadricolor or BTA. This stress could be due to any stressor such as shipping, stronger lighting or heat. Its recommended to leave them alone and attempt to feed inline with Anemone feeding
My anemone is bleached, what should I do?
How do I get my anemone to move?
Firstly, if the anemone has moved somewhere recently, its important to ascertain why. Check water parameters, and esnure you are meeting the anemones requirements.
If an anemone has settled and is in a spot that is not suitable, the easiest way to get them to move is to make them uncomfortable. The best way to achieve this is pointing a powerhead directly at them. The shear forces of a powerhead is not a desireable flow situation for an anemone.
I need to sell my anemone, how do I get it off the rock?
Moving tanks is a stressful thing for an anemone (recommend proper acclimations, and ensure the buyer has appropriate conditions first). Best thing to do is to sell it rock and all, however if you are unwilling to do this, a couple of methods are recommended to avoid tearing the anemones foot:
- Firstly, point a powerhead at the anemone to get it moving. Once an anemone is moving (these things happen slowly), its much easier to remove
- Use an old credit card, or driver licence to "scrape" up the edges
- If all else fails, applying ice to the foot can help (should be a last resort). This should not be necessary assuming an anemone has been moving recently.
My anemone has split what should I do?
Where do I get one of those white anemones?
There is no such thing as a host anemone that is white. If its white it is bleached (basically unhealthy). See Anemone Bleaching.
