Clownfish Host Anemones

By John H. Tullock
Copywright ©1996 All rights reserved

Nine species of clownfish host anemones are summarized below, and are listed in order from the hardiest to the most difficult. I have omitted Cryptodendrum adhesivum, an uncommon, difficult species. Common associations with clownfish species available as tank-reared specimens for the aquarium are included.

Entacmaea quadricolor, Bulb, Bubble-Tip or Maroon Anemone - Tentacles inflated at tips, with white band and pink tip (usually). Red or pink form called Rose Anemone. Attaches to hard surface. In nature hosts Maroon and Bluestrip clownfishes. In aquarium will also host Tomato and Clark's clownfishes, also. Can be propagated in captivity. The best choice for hobbyist aquariums.

Macrodactyla doreensis, Long Tentacle Anemone - Column always red or salmon pink, with veruccae underneath oral disk. Buries column in substrate. Seldom confused. Natural symbionts are Clark's and Pink Skunk clownfishes; in aquarium often accepted by Maroon, Bluestripe and Tomato clowns, as well.

Heteractis crispa, Purple Long Tentacle Anemone, Leathery Anemone - Column tough, leathery, and buried in substrate. Tentalces long and pointed, often bright purple in color. Not common in trade. Hosts Clark's, Bluestripe, True Percula, Pink Skunk and Saddleback clownfishes.

Heteractis malu, Sebae Anemone, Singapore Sebae, Hawaiian Sand Anemone - Column and oral disk uniform pale color, with stubby tentacles usually tipped in magenta. Column buried in substrate. Seldom confused. Hosts only Clark's clownfish in nature, and may host Tomato and Bluestripe clowns in the aquarium. Only host available from within the USA.

Heteractis aurora, Beaded Anemone, Aurora Anemone - Not common in aquarium trade. Buries column in substrate; tentacles with raised, white ridges unmistakable. Only common aquarium clown hosted is Clark's.

Heteractis magnifica, Magnificent Anemone, Ritteri Anemone, Red Radianthus Anemone - Seldom mistaken. Attaches to hard surfaces in good current and bright light; may wander. Column smooth, often colorful; tentacles always slightly inflated, with yellow or white pigment at tips. Hosts Clark's, Bluestripe, Ocellaris ("Percula"), True Percula, and Pink Skunk clowns. Not for beginners, difficult.

Carpet Anemones:

Stichodactyla gigantea, Giant Carpet Anemone - Tentacles longer than other carpet anemones, and slightly pointed at tips. May be blue, turquoise or purple in color. Hosts Clark's, Ocellaris, and True Percula clowns.

S. haddoni, Haddon's Carpet, Saddle Carpet Anemone - Tentacles almost always two colors, imparting a mottled appearance. Hosts Saddleback and Clark's clownfishes.

S. mertensi, Merten's Carpet, Sri Lanka Carpet - Tentacles stubby, knob-like, uniform brown or occassionally bright green in color. Hosts Clark's and Ocellaris clownfishes.

Keeping Anemones:

Host anemones can live to be very old in the oceans, and should only be attempted by hobbyists willing to provide for their requirements. Choose the hardier species. Water conditions must be within the parameters recommended for coral reef aquariums. Provide intense, wide spectrum lighting. Anemones need the same light conditions required by many stony corals. Most host anemones bury the column in substrate. The exceptions are Entacmaea quadricolor and Heteractis magnifica. If one of the other species fails to bury its column, the substrate may bee too coarse or irritating. Soft, sandy substrates are best. Anemones seem to do best if the aquarium is kept at 75€F, and do not seem to do as well at warmer temperatures. Unless you know from experience that the anemone will not be stung by another type of polyp, do not put other coelenterate polyp specimens into the same tank with the anemone. Anemones require good water circulation, but can be damaged by a forceful current directed straight at them. Always handle anemones gently. Be especially careful if the anemone must be removed from a solid surface. Damage to the tentacles of the anemone is usually not significant, but damage to the pedal disk or column may be fatal.