Caribbean Giant Anemone
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Common and hardy, but among the most beautiful animals imported for the aquarium hobby. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This is a hardy species that is a good beginner’s anemone. It is highly variable in color, depending on where it was collected and how it is kept. Often seen with a reddish orange column, sometimes tan or green. Tentacle tips may be pink, purple, green, or occasionally yellow. If provided with a rocky aquascape, it will usually sink its column safely into a tight crevice, leaving its tentacles exposed.
Despite their low price, Condylactis individuals are some of the most beautiful animals imported for the aquarium hobby. The basic column color is white, often lightly colored with hints of brown, tan, green, or yellow. The tentacles are the same color as the column, except for their bulbous tips, which can be pink, red, purple, green, or yellow. Many invertebrates and a few fishes associate with this species in nature.
(Note Spotted Cleaner Shrimp, Periclimenes yucatanensis, with anemone pictured.)
Family: Actiniidae
Other common name(s):
- Haitian Anemone
- Condy
Native range:
Habitat: Thrives mostly in shallow water, including rubble flats, and can be found at most inshore areas, it may also be found on coral reefs, though this is less common.
Maximum length: 30 cm (12 in)
Maximum height: 30 cm (12 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 190 L (50 gal)
Lighting: Does best under bright light.
Placement: In full bright light.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Is partially nourished by its zooxanthellae. It is a filter feeder, but must have regular feedings of meaty foods such as krill, whole or diced shrimp, and marine fish, such as silversides.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
It may sting other invertebrates. Most clownfish species will not associate with it, but Clark's Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii) and the Tomato Clownfish ("Amphiprion frenatus) are the occasional exception. It may serve as a host for anemone shrimps.
[edit] Special Care
As with many anemones, the Caribbean Giant Anemone prefers to have its body protected in a crevice or cavity, while the tentacles extend out to collect food. In captivity, it prefers moderate currents.
[edit] Notes
The tentacle tips may swell in the manner of the Bubble-Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor).
| Common name | Caribbean Giant Anemone +, Haitian Anemone +, and Condy + |
| Family | Actiniidae + |
| Genus | Condylactis + |
| Image credit | PH + |
| Lighting | Does best under bright light. + |
| Maximum height | 12 in + |
| Maximum length | 12 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 50 gal + |
| Native range | Caribbean +, and Tropical Western Atlantic + |
| Placement | In full bright light. + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | gigantea + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |