Carpet Anemone

Another controversial inhabitant, the Carpet Anemone.

Anemones can live for hundreds of years in their natural habitat. In captivity they are difficult to keep for long periods, and especially so with the Carpet Anemones. They require very good water parameters, good water movement, and especially good lighting.

I made a classical beginner's mistake in buying this anemone, as I believed the pet shop (LFS) when they told me that it was easy to keep. Although I did manage to keep mine alive (and growing) for more than one year, it moved around from time to time, upsetting the whole tank. It also killed some of my fish and corals, and even decapitated the Feather duster worm. I eventually sold it to someone else, with a much larger tank.

Believe me, I will not easily buy another one…..

And neither should you!

Check out these links to sites with more information on anemones:-

Field guide to Anemone fishes and their host Anemones - This is an excellent guide (more like a book) by Dr. Daphne G. Fautin and Dr. Gerald R. Allen - Definite reading if you are considering keeping anemones or anemone fishes.

Anemones - This article by Phil C. Henderson lists some easier to keep, and difficult to keep anemones.

Host Anemones - Joyce Wilkerson gives some very convincing information on why one should not keep anemones - also a "Must Read", in my opinion.