Common name: Northern Cerianthid

General information

The Northern Cerianthid, or Tube Anemone, Pachycerianthus borealis, is a fascinating marine invertebrate that is not a true anemone but rather belongs to the order Ceriantharia. Unlike true anemones, tube anemones live inside a parchment-like tube that they secrete, which provides them with protection and support. They are known for their long, slender tentacles that can be quite colorful, often displaying shades of white, brown, or purple.

Care

Caring for a Northern Cerianthid in a home aquarium requires attention to detail. They prefer a sandy substrate where they can anchor their tube. The aquarium should have a deep sand bed and low to moderate water flow to mimic their natural environment. They are nocturnal and will often retract into their tubes during the day. Feeding should consist of small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Pachycerianthus borealis is not well documented in the home aquarium. In the wild, they can reproduce both sexually, by releasing gametes into the water column, and asexually, by budding. However, sexual reproduction in captivity is rare.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships like clownfish and anemones, tube anemones may provide a hiding place for small fish and invertebrates seeking refuge among their tentacles.

Habitat

The Northern Cerianthid is typically found in colder waters of the Northern Hemisphere, including the North Atlantic Ocean. They inhabit soft substrates where they can bury their tubes, often at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to several hundred meters deep.