Common name: Beaded sea anemone

General information

The Aurora Anemone, Heteractis aurora, is a stunning and vibrant species of sea anemone that is a favorite among reef aquarium enthusiasts. It is known for its long, tapering tentacles and a rich color palette that can range from purples and greens to oranges and reds. This species is often confused with its close relative, the Heteractis magnifica, but can be distinguished by its smaller adult size and the beaded appearance of its tentacles.

Care

Aurora Anemones require a well-established aquarium with stable water parameters. They prefer strong lighting and moderate to strong water flow to mimic their natural reef environment. It's crucial to provide a sandy substrate or rock crevices for the anemone to anchor itself securely. Feeding should consist of meaty foods like shrimp or fish pieces, and care should be taken to ensure that the anemone is not overfed.

Reproduction

In the wild, Heteractis aurora reproduces both sexually and asexually. In the aquarium, they can reproduce by pedal laceration, where small pieces of the base detach and develop into new anemones. This can be a sign of good health and stable conditions in the aquarium.

Symbiosis

Like many anemones, the Aurora Anemone can form symbiotic relationships with various clownfish species, providing them with protection in exchange for food scraps and cleaning. Common clownfish partners include the @species:amphiprion-clarkii and @species:amphiprion-chrysopterus. The anemone also hosts a variety of commensal organisms such as shrimp and crabs that benefit from its protection.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Heteractis aurora is the Indo-Pacific region, where it is typically found on coral reefs and in shallow lagoons. They are often located at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to about 20 meters deep.