Common name: Giant Carpet Anemone

General information

The Giant Carpet Anemone, Strepsichordaia lendenfeldi, is a large and impressive species of sea anemone that can be a stunning centerpiece in a reef aquarium. It is known for its vibrant colors and expansive oral disc, which can stretch up to a meter in diameter in the wild. This anemone is often found in shallow waters across the Indo-Pacific region.

Care

Caring for a Giant Carpet Anemone requires a well-established aquarium with stable water parameters. They need strong lighting to support their symbiotic algae, known as zooxanthellae, and strong water flow to mimic their natural habitat. It's important to provide a sandy substrate for the anemone to anchor itself securely.

Symbiosis

While Strepsichordaia lendenfeldi does not typically host clownfish, it has a symbiotic relationship with various invertebrates and fish that seek refuge within its tentacles. This anemone benefits from the waste products of its symbionts, which provide additional nutrients.

Habitat

Giant Carpet Anemones are typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Australia. They inhabit shallow lagoons and reef flats, often embedding themselves in sandy or rubble substrates where they can maximize light exposure for their zooxanthellae.