Common name: merten's carpet anemone

General information

Mertens' Carpet Anemone, Stichodactyla mertensii, is a large and visually striking species of sea anemone found in the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its vibrant colors and its symbiotic relationships with various marine species, including clownfish. This anemone can be a centerpiece in a reef aquarium due to its size and beauty, but it requires a dedicated and experienced aquarist to thrive in captivity.

Care

Mertens' Carpet Anemone requires a mature and stable reef aquarium with strong lighting and moderate to strong water flow. It prefers a sandy substrate where it can anchor its base. Care should be taken to ensure that it does not come into contact with powerheads or heaters, as it can move around the tank. Feeding should consist of meaty foods like fish, shrimp, and other seafood, offered once or twice a week.

Reproduction

In the wild, Stichodactyla mertensii reproduces both sexually and asexually. In the aquarium, asexual reproduction through pedal laceration is more common, where pieces of the foot break off and develop into new anemones. Sexual reproduction in captivity is rare and not well documented.

Symbiosis

Mertens' Carpet Anemone is known for its symbiotic relationship with anemonefish, particularly with species like the @species:amphiprion-ocellaris and @species:amphiprion-clarkii. These fish have evolved to be immune to the anemone's sting and often seek refuge within its tentacles. The anemone benefits from the fish's waste as a nutrient source and the fish are protected from predators.

Habitat

Stichodactyla mertensii is found in shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to Fiji, and from Japan to Australia. It typically inhabits reef flats and lagoons, often attaching itself to hard substrates or burying its foot in sandy bottoms.