Different Carpet Anemone

There are three different species of carpet anemones typically seen in the hobby.

Different carpet anemone.

Magnificent anemone is the most difficult to keep as it grows up to 36 inches and requires about 90 gallons. Carpet anemone heteractis crispa sebae anemone and heteractis magnifica magnificent or ritteri anemone are among the most difficult anemones to keep as they are very large in size and comparatively more venomous. Saddle carpet anemones have short blunt tentacles with a very potent sting and can be distinguished from their close relatives stichodactyla gigantea and stichodactyla mertensii by the lack of any coloration spots or markings on the underside of the anemone and down its column. Most anemones are sessile with a specialized foot used to anchor them in soft substrates or attach themselves to rocks and corals.

The carpet anemone is one of the largest of the anemone species. Stichodactyla gigantea commonly known as the giant carpet anemone is a species of sea anemone that lives in the indo pacific area. Some specimens can reach a diameter of 39 inches. A deeply folded oral disc slightly tapering tentacles that vibrate constantly short but they are longer than that of stichodactyla haddoni extremely sticky and often slightly pointed at the tips.

The short tentacles of this anemone deliver a sting strong enough to cause an uncomfortable rash on unprotected skin. The haddon s carpet anemone lives singly in the shallow waters of the indo pacific and red sea. Different types of clownfish tend to prefer living with or hosting different types of anemones. This species is commonly known as the giant carpet anemone.

This colorful anemone is also referred to as haddon s anemone or saddle carpet. Found outside of the reef it resides in soft muddy or sandy substrate and can attain a size of up to 3 feet in diameter. This is nota gigantea. Stichodactyla gigantea stichodactyla haddoni and stichodactyla mertensii are called carpet anemones because they have large flattened bodies and their upper surface is covered by numerous relatively short carpet like tentacles.

It can be kept in an aquarium but is a very challenging species to keep alive and healthy for more than 3 5 years. Use caution when introducing anemones into a reef aquarium however as some species are quite mobile and may sting and damage live corals. This colorful anemone is also referred to as haddon s anemone saddle anemone saddle carpet anemone or saddleback anemone.