Entacmaea quadricolor | S

The Entacmaea quadricolor, commonly known as the Bubble Tip Anemone, is a popular and visually striking invertebrate for marine aquariums. This small-sized specimen features the characteristic bulbous tips on its tentacles, which can display a range of colours from green to red, adding vibrant movement and texture to your reef environment.

Bubble Tip Anemones are renowned for their symbiotic relationship with clownfish, which find shelter among their tentacles. This species is generally considered reef safe when housed with compatible tank mates, but care should be taken to avoid placing it near corals that may be stung by its nematocysts.

Care and Husbandry: Entacmaea quadricolor requires stable water parameters typical of mature reef tanks. A minimum tank size of 75 litres is recommended to provide sufficient space and water quality stability. Moderate to strong lighting is essential to support the photosynthetic zooxanthellae within the anemone’s tissues, with LED or T5 lighting systems being suitable. Moderate water flow is preferred to gently circulate water without causing excessive stress.

Feeding should include occasional offerings of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp or finely chopped seafood to supplement their nutritional needs, although they derive most energy from photosynthesis. Regular monitoring of water quality and stable parameters will promote healthy growth and vibrant coloration.

Compatibility: This anemone is compatible with many reef-safe fish and invertebrates, particularly clownfish species that will host within its tentacles. Avoid aggressive or anemone-eating species. Placement should be on a stable rock base where the anemone can attach securely and expand without risk of falling or damaging other tank inhabitants.