Although Carpet Anemones are accepted by most Clown Fish, they may not be the best choice for every aquarium. However, due to their often amazing coloring, they can be rewarding captives for those skilled enough to keep them.

Wild Carpet Anemones are generally seen in reef areas or soft bottom areas with sandy or rocky substrates. For this reason, a substrate of coral rubble or sand may work nicely in an aquarium. Some may lodge themselves in rock crevices. The Carpet Anemone can make a good host for many species of Clown Fish. It requires strong lighting, so its symbiotic zooxanthellae can perform photosynthesis to produce its food. Carpet Anemones will also accept solid foods but in general it is not necessary or desirable to feed them. In the wild and in captivity, the Clown Fish that a Carpet Anemone hosts will generally contribute to its feeding. This is because the Clown Fish often drops some its food. Because it may damage other anemones or corals, Carpet Anemones should usually be placed in an area of your aquarium that is at least 12 inches (30 centimeters) away from any other anemone. Carpet Anemones may move about an aquarium until they find some place where they prefer the substrate or location. For this reason they should be placed in the aquarium prior to other anemones or corals. The Carpet Anemone can sting other fish, anemones, or corals and harm them. Normally, the presence of a Clown Fish can help the anemone to acclimate more quickly, and settle down in one spot. Once established, a Carpet Anemone will become well attached, and it will be difficult to extricate the anemone from any items it latches onto, without damaging the anemone.

Carpet Anemones are available in a variety of colors. Blue, purple, green, pink, orange, white, yellow, gray, and brown specimens are found. The color is determined by the type of algae growing in the tentacles and the amount of light that the anemone is exposed to. Blue Carpet Anemones are found in very high light conditions. Its short tentacles resemble a plush carpet. Some have pointed tips colored differently from the rest of the anemone. A full-grown Carpet Anemone can measure 30 inches (76 centimeters). Carpet Anemones kept on flat surfaces may develop soft, deep folds in their oral discs, enhancing their appearances.

Carpet Anemones are quite large and are native to the Indo Pacific, Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea. They are sometimes impressively colored, particularly the blue specimens which are highly sought after.

Bright lighting, normally four to six watts per gallon of water, will be important to help your Carpet Anemone maintain good health. Carpet Anemones normally do well in temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH value should be 8.3 or 8.4. The specific gravity should measure at least 1.023. About once each week, trace element levels should be checked. Calcium and iodine may need to be replenished. Substrates of sand or coral rubble seem to work nicely for Carpet Anemones. Some Carpet Anemones may sting other corals, anemones, or fish that they are not hosting. Although Carpet Anemones normally do well as hosts for Clown Fish like Amphiprion percula and A. ocellaris, they can become harmful when their tentacles touch other inhabitants. With proper lighting, Carpet Anemones should not require any feeding. During the time your Carpet Anemone is acclimating itself to your aquarium, the presence of a Clown Fish may help. When purchasing a Carpet Anemone, choose a specimen with rich, even color. It should react to handling, and should be slightly sticky. This sticky feeling is actually the result of the stinging cells (nematocysts) firing into your skin. Most people will not notice any other effects but some people may have a reaction to this. It is also advisable to choose a Carpet Anemone that has attached itself to some object in the dealer's tank.

There is currently no special breeding information in our databases for this animal. To submit breeding / propagation information that is specific to this animal please click here.