Giant Carpet Anemone
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
This anemone has a potent sting which will kill nearby sessile invertebrates. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
The color of this anemone is quite variable: the tentacles may be purple, pink, blue, or green. The tentacles are small, about 8 mm long, and move constantly.
Family: Stichodactylidae
Other common name(s):
- Gigantic Sea Anemone
Native range:
Habitat: In nature, this species often lives in sand pockets in shallow coral rock with the adhesive pedal disc fastened to some subsurface rock. Found in very shallow sand habitats, occasionally reported to be exposed at low tide in some localities. In captivity, it will likely do best living in a shallow sand bed surrounded by rocks.
Maximum length: 50 cm (20 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Lighting: Does best when kept under bright lighting.
Placement: In full bright light.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Has zooxanthellae, but needs to be fed frequently, every other day or so, with diced large, or whole, small fishes.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Ecologically important; collection should be discouraged. Sting is potent and will kill nearby sessile invertebrates.
[edit] Notes
Six clownfish species are reported to associated with this species in nature: Amphiprion akindynos, A. bicinctus, A. clarkii, A. ocellaris, A. percula, A. perideraion, and A. rubrocinctus.
| Common name | Giant Carpet Anemone +, and Gigantic Sea Anemone + |
| Family | Stichodactylidae + |
| Genus | Stichodactyla + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Lighting | Does best when kept under bright lighting. + |
| Maximum length | 20 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 100 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific + |
| Placement | In full bright light. + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | gigantea + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |