Bulb Anemone

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Semi-Aggressive   • Maximum Size: Varies
• Diet: Carnivore   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: Iodine, Trace elements   • Coloration: Green, Orange, Brown, Tan
• Origin: Indo-Pacific • Family: Actiniidae   • Species: Anemones

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The appearance of the Bulb Anemone can vary greatly from one individual to the next, depending on water and lighting conditions. Under intense lighting, the tentacles will develop defined bulbs at the tips. The Bulb Anemone is usually found in coral rubble, or in crevices within coral reefs. Its pedal disc is usually attached deep within dead coral, from which it stretches its tentacles to become sweeper tentacles when hungry. That is, the tentacles become elongated to capture food from the water current, then the tentacles shorten and the bubble tips return.

These anemones benefit greatly from the symbiotic relationship with a clownfish, as they will provide protection for the clownfish and the clownfish will in turn provide food for the anemone. The Small bulb anemones from Fiji and Tonga are typically colored in shades of brown, tan or maroon with an occasional green specimen. The Medium and Large bulb anemones from Singapore are typically green in color and may have a maroon base.

The Bulb Anemone requires strong illumination with live rock, that provides deep holes and crevices, or branch corals placed in the sand. They require an aquarium of at least 30 gallons, as they can grow up to 12" across in the aquarium. These anemones will typically remain compact and will gain defined bulb tips under intense lighting. If the lighting is insufficient, they will expand their bodies to great lengths to make the most of the available light.

Bulb Anemones should be kept with a Clownfish for best results. Be sure to place this species carefully within the aquarium as they can sting other anemones as well as corals. They also extend their tentacles at times for feeding and this should also be taken into consideration, so leave plenty space between this and other invertebrate specimens.

Bulb Anemones should be fed a diet including chopped fish, shrimp or worms. This is vital if a clownfish is not living in the anemone; however, if a clownfish is present the frequency and amount of food will be much less as the clownfish will provide a food source for the anemone. Keeping this species with a clown fish is highly reccommended. If the tentacles appear stringy, this is most often due to insufficient light or lack of food.