Rose Bubble Tip Anemone

Rose Bubble Tip Anemone

The bubble tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor), also known as the bubble-tip anemone, bubble anemone, or bulb anemone, is a species of sea anemone of Indo-Pacific origin. In the wild, this anemone is a natural host of several species of anemonefishes, including the Cinnamon Clownfish (Amphiprion melanopus), Tomato Clownfish (A. frenatus), Orange-fin Clownfish (A. chrysopterus) and Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus). In the home aquarium the Bubble Tip Anemone will host a wide range of anemonefish including Ocellaris Clownfish, and True Percula Clownfish.

E. quadricolor anemones often appear in a variety of morphs, including rose, orange, red and standard green. Some will have purple, orange, or green tips at the end of each tentacle. This sea anemone can grow to be up to a foot in diameter, but usually remains compact in the home aquarium.

The bubble tip anemone will receive the majority of its energy from photosynthesis via its symbiotic zooxanthellae. Nutrients are generally obtained by filter feeding or through wastes and debris collected from hosting clownfish. It is advised to feed bubble tip anemones once a week with a small meaty item such as frozen mysis shrimp, or a small portion of silverside.

A rock with many crevices, or an area of rocks, should be provided so your Bubble Tip Anemone may anchor itself. They tend to place their foot into a hole or crevice in the rock. When keeping a Bubble Tip Anemone in an aquarium with many different species of corals, it is often best to place the anemone in before the corals. This allows the anemone to select a spot it likes and helps prevent it moving across your corals later. The anemone may wander around the tank for the first week until it picks a suitable spot. When the anemone finds a spot that provides ideal conditions, it will usually remain in that spot until environmental conditions change. Generally, they prefer to be in an area of moderate current, and mid to high light.

Bubble Tip Anemones usually thrive in temperatures between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 26 degrees Celsius). The specific gravity should be about 1.023 to 1.026. It is important that the specific gravity remain constant. Bright lighting should be provided.