Well I've taken the plunge and started the new year off with the addition of a new species in one of my tanks. The tank I am housing these in is fishless and only has a handful of snails, a single koralia circulation pump. I will be adding more photos of these magnificent creatures in the next week.
The following are what are better known as Mini and Maxi Carpet anemones.
Mini Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla Tapetum)
Ease of care- Moderate (experience reefkeepers will do better due to consistency in water parameters); Newbies need not apply.
Water quality- Normal reef parameters
Lighting- Will do well under any type of lighting. As with any anemone, it will move to get the light it wants to have.
Aggression- VERY sticky, will catch a fish if given the opportunity, Mini carpets will eat snails.
Size- Average size is that of a dime to quarter
Self-propagating - When about quarter-sized, the anemone tears itself in half leaving two or more where one was originally.
Feeding- Target feeding isn't necessary, but helps in keeping them happy.
Note: Clownfish will NOT host these little nems.
This is a photo of my mini carpet anemone eating a single mysis shrimp. Yes it is that small :lol:
Maxi Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla Tapetum)
Ease of care- Moderate (experience reefkeepers will do better due to consistency in water parameters); Newbies need not apply.
Water quality- Normal reef parameters
Lighting- Will do well under any type of lighting. As with any anemone, it will move to get the light it wants to have.
Aggression- Super sticky, will catch a fish if given the opportunity, Maxi carpets will eat snails. They have a fairly good sting and caution should be taken when handling. Should be housed in a species only tank and/or given plenty of room.
Size- Average sze is 4-6" when fully grown.
Self-propagating - Maxi anemones do not regularly split. This may explain the cost and there not being a very large supply.
Feeding-Should be target feed a variety of meaty foods twice a week.
Note: Clownfish may or may not host the maxi nems due to their larger size than that of the mini nems. I haven't heard of any reports that they will at this point.
The photo is that of my first Maxi nem and the color depending on the light is somewhere from a burgundy to purplish red center with a greenish teal rim.
The following are what are better known as Mini and Maxi Carpet anemones.
Mini Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla Tapetum)
Ease of care- Moderate (experience reefkeepers will do better due to consistency in water parameters); Newbies need not apply.
Water quality- Normal reef parameters
Lighting- Will do well under any type of lighting. As with any anemone, it will move to get the light it wants to have.
Aggression- VERY sticky, will catch a fish if given the opportunity, Mini carpets will eat snails.
Size- Average size is that of a dime to quarter
Self-propagating - When about quarter-sized, the anemone tears itself in half leaving two or more where one was originally.
Feeding- Target feeding isn't necessary, but helps in keeping them happy.
Note: Clownfish will NOT host these little nems.
This is a photo of my mini carpet anemone eating a single mysis shrimp. Yes it is that small :lol:
Maxi Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla Tapetum)
Ease of care- Moderate (experience reefkeepers will do better due to consistency in water parameters); Newbies need not apply.
Water quality- Normal reef parameters
Lighting- Will do well under any type of lighting. As with any anemone, it will move to get the light it wants to have.
Aggression- Super sticky, will catch a fish if given the opportunity, Maxi carpets will eat snails. They have a fairly good sting and caution should be taken when handling. Should be housed in a species only tank and/or given plenty of room.
Size- Average sze is 4-6" when fully grown.
Self-propagating - Maxi anemones do not regularly split. This may explain the cost and there not being a very large supply.
Feeding-Should be target feed a variety of meaty foods twice a week.
Note: Clownfish may or may not host the maxi nems due to their larger size than that of the mini nems. I haven't heard of any reports that they will at this point.
The photo is that of my first Maxi nem and the color depending on the light is somewhere from a burgundy to purplish red center with a greenish teal rim.
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