RecifAtHome guide
A clownfish nestled in its anemone is one of the most beautiful sights in a reef aquarium. But anemones are demanding animals that move around and sting: choosing carefully is important.
In short
- For beginners: Entacmaea quadricolor, the bubble-tip anemone.
- A tank running for at least 6 months, strong lighting and stable parameters.
- Protect pump intakes: an anemone sucked into a pump can pollute the whole tank.
- Carpet anemones (Stichodactyla) are for experienced hobbyists only.
Which anemone for which clownfish?
| Anemone | Difficulty | Natural clownfish partners |
|---|---|---|
| Entacmaea quadricolor (bubble-tip) | Easy | Clarkii, frenatus, melanopus, Premnas; often accepted by captive-bred clowns |
| Heteractis crispa (sebae) | Moderate | Clarkii, percula, perideraion |
| Macrodactyla doreensis (long-tentacle) | Moderate | Clarkii, polymnus |
| Heteractis magnifica (magnificent / Ritteri) | Difficult | Ocellaris, percula, perideraion |
| Stichodactyla gigantea and haddoni (carpet) | Difficult | Ocellaris, percula, clarkii, polymnus |
Captive-bred clownfish have never encountered an anemone: some take to one within hours, others after weeks, and some never do. The bubble-tip anemone is accepted most often.
Care requirements
- A tank at least 6 months old with stable parameters (salinity 35 ppt, alkalinity 7 to 9 dKH, measurable nitrate).
- Strong lighting: 150 to 300 µmol/m²/s PAR depending on the species. Anemones rely heavily on photosynthesis.
- Moderate, variable flow, without a direct jet.
- Pump intakes protected with a guard or sponge: the leading cause of accidents.
Placement: let it choose
An anemone moves until it finds a suitable spot: usually a crevice where its foot is protected and its tentacles receive light. Place it near a cave, switch off the pumps for a few minutes, then let it settle. If it continues wandering after two weeks, the lighting or flow is unsuitable.
Good to know
An anemone stings any coral it touches. Leave free space around the spot where it is likely to settle.
Feeding
Once or twice a week, place a small piece of mussel, shrimp or fish (no larger than its mouth) on its tentacles, or use a pelleted coral food. Clownfish sometimes bring it food themselves.
Signs of good and poor health
- Good: inflated tentacles, stable colour, closed mouth, foot firmly attached.
- Normal: deflating completely for a few hours from time to time to exchange water.
- Poor: gaping, everted mouth, loss of colour (bleaching), anemone detaching and tumbling in the current.
Well-kept bubble-tip anemones regularly split in two: a sign of good health.
Frequently asked questions
Which anemone for an ocellaris clownfish?
In the wild it lives in Heteractis magnifica or Stichodactyla gigantea, both very demanding. In aquariums, the bubble-tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) is the easiest and is often accepted.
Why does my anemone keep moving?
It is looking for a better spot: light, flow or shelter for its foot. If it keeps moving after two weeks, review your lighting and flow.
Are anemones dangerous to other animals?
They sting corals they touch, and large carpet anemones can catch small fish. The bubble-tip anemone is the safest.
Do anemones need feeding?
Yes, once or twice a week, with a piece of mussel or shrimp the size of its mouth.
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Guide written by the RecifAtHome team, coral aquaculture in Roche-lez-Beaupré (France) since 2010. Updated: October 2026.