Anemones
Anemones are fascinating and often visually striking invertebrates that belong to the phylum Cnidaria, closely related to corals and jellyfish. They are known for their vibrant colors and unique symbiotic relationships, most notably with clownfish. These relationships can be mutually beneficial, with the clownfish receiving protection from predators while the anemone benefits from the cleaning and nutrients provided by the clownfish.
In the aquarium hobby, anemones are popular for their beauty and the dynamic movement of their tentacles. However, they require specific care and conditions to thrive. Anemones need stable water parameters, strong lighting, and good water flow. They are sensitive to changes in water quality and can be challenging to keep for beginners. It's crucial to research the specific needs of the anemone species you are interested in, as their requirements can vary significantly.
Some popular anemone species in the hobby include the Entacmaea quadricolor, known for its bulbous tentacles, and the Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla spp.), which can grow very large and has a potent sting. The Phymanthus crucifer is another favorite, appreciated for its hardiness and stunning coloration.
When introducing anemones to a reef tank, it's essential to ensure they have enough space to expand and avoid close proximity to corals, as they can sting and damage them. Regular feeding with meaty foods like shrimp or fish can help maintain their health and vibrant appearance.
- Common name: Beadlet anemoneScientific name: Actinia equina
- Common name: Strawberry anemoneScientific name: Actinia fragacea
- Common name: Waratah anemoneScientific name: Actinia tenebrosa
- Common name: tree anemoneScientific name: Actinodendron arboreum
- Common name: Branching anemoneScientific name: Actinodendron glomeratum
- Common name: Branching anemoneScientific name: Actinodendron plumosum
- Common name: Trumpet anemoneScientific name: Aiptasia mutabilis
- Common name: pale anemoneScientific name: Aiptasia pallida
- Common name: Manjano AnemoneScientific name: Anemonia manjano
- Common name: Snakelocks anemoneScientific name: Anemonia viridis
- Common name: giant green anemoneScientific name: Anthopleura xanthogrammica
- Common name: corkscrew anemoneScientific name: Bartholomea annulata
- Common name: Curlycue AnemoneScientific name: Bartholomea lucida
- Common name: Hermit crab anemoneScientific name: Calliactis polypus
- Common name: southern cerianthidScientific name: Ceriantheopsis americana
- Common name: Large tube anemoneScientific name: Cerianthus filiformis
- Common name: Cylinder AnemoneScientific name: Cerianthus lloydii
- Common name: Tube AnemoneScientific name: Cerianthus membranaceus
- Common name: Golden anemoneScientific name: Condylactis aurantiaca
- Common name: giant caribbean anenoneScientific name: Condylactis gigantea
- Common name: pizza anemoneScientific name: Cryptodendrum adhaesivum
- Common name: Bubble Tip AnemoneScientific name: Entacmaea quadricolor
- Common name: Beaded sea anemoneScientific name: Heteractis aurora
- Common name: Sebae AnemoneScientific name: Heteractis crispa
- Common name: Magnificent sea anemoneScientific name: Heteractis magnifica
- Common name: Malu anemoneScientific name: Heteractis malu
- Common name: Hemprich's Sea AnemoneScientific name: Heterodactyla hemprichi
- Common name: stinging anemoneScientific name: Lebrunia danae
- Common name: Long-tentacle AnemoneScientific name: Macrodactyla doreensis
- Common name: Red Sea AppleScientific name: Negombata corticata
- Common name: Red Sea AppleScientific name: Negombata magnifica
- Common name: Spotted Porcelain CrabScientific name: Neopetrolisthes maculates
- Common name: Northern CerianthidScientific name: Pachycerianthus borealis
- Common name: Giant Tube AnemoneScientific name: Pachycerianthus fimbriatus
- Common name: Giant Tube AnemoneScientific name: Pachycerianthus maua
- Common name: Night anemoneScientific name: Phyllodiscus semoni
- Common name: speckled anemoneScientific name: Phymanthus crucifer
- Common name: gigantic sea anemoneScientific name: Stichodactyla gigantea
- Common name: Haddon's Carpet AnemoneScientific name: Stichodactyla haddoni
- Common name: merten's carpet anemoneScientific name: Stichodactyla mertensii
- Common name: Warty Sea AnemoneScientific name: Thalassianthus aster
- Common name: Dahlia anemoneScientific name: Urticina felina