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Bubble-Tip Anemone

Entacmaea quadricolor(Rüppell & Leuckart, 1828)Species

A popular anemone whose tentacle tips swell into rounded bubbles. A classic clownfish host and, among host anemones, relatively easy to keep.

Bubble-Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)
© Nhobgood Nick HobgoodCC BY-SA 3.0Source

Names & Synonyms

  • CommonBubble-Tip Anemone
  • Commonタマイタダキイソギンチャク

Overview

The bubble-tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor, BTA) is widely distributed across Indo-Pacific reefs and is named for the rounded, bulbous swellings that form near the tips of its tentacles. It comes in many colors-rose-red, green, brown-with the red rose BTA forms being especially prized. It hosts many clownfish species, including ocellaris, tomato, and clarkii clowns, and watching this symbiosis is a major reason for its popularity among marine aquarists. It is among the hardier, more keepable host anemones, but because the zooxanthellae in its tentacles photosynthesize, it needs moderate-to-strong lighting (around 150+ PAR), moderate random flow, and clean water. Feeding minced fish or shrimp once or twice a week keeps it thriving, and it may split to multiply. It can move and is prone to being drawn into wavemaker intakes, so fit guards. It stings, so position it where it will not contact other corals.

Care Points

  • LightingModerate-to-strong light for symbiotic algae (150+ PAR)
  • FlowModerate, random flow
  • ClownfishHosts ocellaris/tomato/clarkii etc.; a classic host
  • FeedingFeed minced fish or shrimp 1-2x weekly
  • NotesGuard pump intakes; needs clean water

Regulatory & Conservation

Notes:
刺胞動物・イソギンチャク目(Actiniaria)。イシサンゴ目(Scleractinia)でないためCITES非掲載。特定外来生物にも非該当。刺胞毒あり、他サンゴとの接触に注意。

Sources

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