BTA Suicide?

[fishman]

I received my first BTA yesterday from California. After being in my tank for a couple hours it looked fine but I noticed that it looked like it was tearing. I assumed it was going to split. Well last night it crammed itself behind my overflow and when I woke up this morning a quarter of it was torn off and in my overflow. So either it split or committed suicide. I always assumed they split nearly in half. Do they split smaller sisters? Is my BTA going to die?

 

[BCT182]

I have not had mine split yet, BUT I did tear half of its base off moving it one time and I have heard you can cut them to split them. Providing you have a non stressful enviroment, do not try to move it around alot, and your water conditions are great, I think it should recover.
Brett

 

[LakeEd]

Fishman,

Anemones are very... "tender"... for lack of a better word, animals. They require an added acclimation time, as well as pristine water conditions to survive happily. Usually, receiving one that is already exhibiting a "tearing" is a sign of it being very stressed, and quite possibly on its way to a not-so Happily-Ever-After land.

I would recommend you test your water. If needed to a 10-15% water change... and keep your fingers crossed. If you have clowns that are pestering it, this will also add to its stress level greatly as it is acclimating.

As for the splitting. They do often create smaller "siblings" when they split. So its possible this is what you are seeing in your overflow. Normally to help them split, they will find their way directly in front of a powerhead, return line... or as in your case an overflow... and I'm assuming they use that added flow to help in their splitting process.

If this "sibling" is only a split, you will want to tenderly return it to your main tank so it has a better chance of surviving.

I wish you the best of luck with your new addition. Keep us posted please.

Ed

 

[fishman]

It looks like both are alive and well. I moved the small guy back to the tank. He was barely attached at the time (I was waiting for the right moment). The big one is still attached to the overflow but in the tank. I didn't expect it to split so soon. I did tons of reading before I purchased it. It is the only thing in the tank besides two little chromis and some snails. I wanted to wait until it was confertable before adding anything else.

 

[fishman]

Thanks for your help! THey both look happy. I'm hoping the big one moves back to the liverock tonight.

 

[LakeEd]

Mine roamed my tank for a couple days before finding the place that it enjoyed. They tend to search for the texture their foot wants to attach to, the flow in your tank they want, the amount of lighting they are happy with... and probably a ready food source (that one, I could accommodate them with).

Enjoy, I know I enjoy mine!
Ed