Anemones

A common choice for many reef keeping enthusiasts, the sea anemone is a colorful invertebrate that’s characterized by an oral disc and a ring of tentacles. At Sanctuary Aquatics, we carry Bubble-tip anemone species in our inventory. If you’re looking to add anemone(s) to your reef tank, please explore our complete selection of anemone species below.

 

Questions? You can reach out to the Sanctuary Aquatics team online or by phone at 920-385-4802 for inquiries related to anemone care.

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Anemone Species

Bubble-Tip Anemones (Entacmaea Quadricolor)

Bubble-tip anemones belong to the Actiniidae family and represent one of the most popular choices for marine aquarium enthusiasts. These captivating invertebrates secure themselves using a muscular foot located at their base, which allows them to attach firmly to rocks or sandy substrates throughout your aquarium.

 

What sets bubble-tips apart from other anemone species is the distinctive bulbous formation at the tips of their tentacles. When these characteristic bulbs are clearly visible, your anemone is typically healthy and content. However, if the tentacles appear stretched and elongated, making the bulbs difficult to observe, this often indicates stress - usually signaling inadequate lighting or insufficient nutrition.

 

Unlike many other Actiniidae family members, bubble-tip anemones readily form hosting relationships with clownfish. This mutually beneficial partnership creates one of nature's most fascinating displays while adding remarkable visual interest to any reef aquarium setup.

Chicago Sunburst Anemones

The Chicago Sunburst Anemone stands out as one of the most sought-after specimens in the aquarium trade. These extraordinary anemones showcase stunning coloration featuring vibrant orange hues that create striking contrast against their blue-green base coloration, enhanced by distinctive linear markings that make each specimen truly unique.

Anemone Care

Lighting Requirements & Placement

Anemones typically thrive under moderate to intense lighting conditions, generally requiring 150-250 PAR, with some specimens tolerating up to 350 PAR.

 

Unlike many other marine invertebrates that prefer consistent lighting parameters, individual anemones within the same species often display varying preferences. For example, one specimen might flourish under high-intensity lighting (300-350 PAR) combined with stronger water movement, while another may prefer gentler conditions with reduced flow.

 

Since anemones possess natural mobility, allow them to relocate themselves to their preferred position within your aquarium. For newly introduced specimens showing signs of stress, start with moderate lighting levels and gradually increase intensity if they demonstrate positive response and adaptation.

Feeding Guidelines

Bubble-tip anemones generally maintain themselves well without extensive supplemental feeding programs. However, occasional spot-feeding with mysis shrimp or brine shrimp can provide beneficial nutrition.

Exercise restraint with supplemental feeding, as excessive food can actually harm these animals rather than help them thrive.

Flow Considerations & Safety

Water circulation equipment requires careful consideration when housing anemones. These mobile invertebrates can inadvertently move into powerhead intakes, potentially causing injury or equipment damage.

 

Installing protective guards around intake areas prevents such incidents and ensures both animal safety and system reliability.

Tank Compatibility & Spacing

Anemones can become quite large over time and may display territorial behavior, so provide adequate space while accounting for their natural movement patterns.

 

While they possess stinging capabilities, healthy fish rarely experience problems. However, weakened or stressed fish may be more vulnerable to anemone stings.

Water Chemistry Parameters

  • Temperature: 75°F–80°F (24–27°C)
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Nitrate: 5–10 ppm
  • Phosphate: 0.05–0.1 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 8–9 dKH
  • Calcium: 400–450 ppm

These parameters support optimal health and vibrant coloration while promoting the symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae that many anemone species depend upon for nutrition.

Shop Sanctuary Aquatics for Anemones

At Sanctuary Aquatics, our anemone expertise comes from many years of marine science knowledge combined with decades of aquarium hobby experience. Our carefully maintained marine systems create ideal conditions for diverse anemone species, ensuring they flourish and exhibit their most vibrant characteristics.

 

Our team merges comprehensive scientific understanding with real-world hobbyist experience to support your anemone keeping success! Whether you're an experienced marine aquarist or just beginning your journey, we deliver the guidance and resources necessary to establish a thriving anemone habitat. Our specialized knowledge of anemone biology and aquarium maintenance makes us your perfect partner for creating and sustaining your dream reef tank!

 

Contact Sanctuary Aquatics online today or give us a call at 920-385-4802 to discover our anemone species and receive recommendations for your aquarium setup! To see all species, browse our complete saltwater anemone and coral selection here.