The Tube Anemone is quite interesting. It actually builds its own protective covering from materials it finds in its habitat.

Tube Anemones build grayish, hollow, tubes into the substrate. They live in these rough coverings, which offer them protection. When disturbed, they can fully retract into their tube. The tubes are built from materials secreted by the Tube Anemone. If an anemone becomes separated from its tube, it may be necessary to place the anemone back in the tube. Care must be taken that the tube does not collapse as the base of the Tube Anemone is reinserted. If they cannot be placed back in the tube you may simply lay them on the bottom and they will form another. Tube Anemones tend to do best when kept in an aquarium with members of their own species, or with other invertebrates. They are reef safe only if they cannot touch other anemones or corals. Current and light levels should be moderate to low. Tube Anemones are normally ready feeders, and should be offered solid foods frequently. Their stinging cells (nematocysts) are very powerful and they will damage or kill other inhabitants that come in contact with them including clown fish.

Colorations for the tentacles include brown, yellow, blue, green, pink, and purple. The tube that the anemone creates is generally grayish in color. The anemone's tentacles are long and thin and are visible emerging from the top of the tube.

Tube Anemones are collected most often from the Indo Pacific. Though they are fascinating creatures, they may be difficult to maintain in a reef environment that includes fish.

Tube Anemones should be kept with low to moderate lighting. Temperatures between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 24 degrees Celsius) are appropriate for Tube Anemones. A pH value of 8.3 or 8.4 is important, as is a specific gravity at least 1.023. Sand or some particulate matter should be present in the Tube Anemone's habitat. Often, three to four inches of a soft deep substrate like sand is used. A gentle water current is preferred. Tube Anemones should only be kept with other Tube Anemones or invertebrates. They may behave aggressively to other organisms in an aquarium, and should be fed once in a while. Appropriate foods include chunks of fish, squid, or shrimp.

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.