Aqua cultured Chicago Sunburst Anemone Large 5 plus inches

Anemone Coral Description and Care Guide

Overview: Anemone corals, also known as Actinodendron, belong to the family Actinodendronidae. These corals are often compared to sea anemones due to their similar appearance, but they are true corals, not anemones. Anemone corals have long, slender, and often colorful polyps that extend outward in a radiating pattern, resembling an anemone. They are popular in reef aquariums due to their attractive form and vibrant hues, which can range from greens, reds, and purples to oranges and yellows.

Description:

• Appearance: Anemone corals typically have a central mouth surrounded by numerous thin, tentacle-like polyps. The tentacles are often extended during the day or in low-light conditions, giving them a "flower-like" appearance.
• Size: They can grow large, with some species reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
• Coloration: Anemone corals can display a wide range of colors, including shades of red, green, yellow, orange, and purple, depending on the species and their environment.
• Behavior: These corals can be either solitary or colonial, though the latter is more common in reef aquariums. Some species of anemone corals can have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic organisms, allowing them to thrive in environments with light.

Care Requirements:

1. Lighting:

• Type: Anemone corals require moderate to high light, with most species preferring moderate levels of light intensity.
• Lighting Source: LED or T5 lighting is ideal for providing the necessary intensity and spectrum.
• Duration: 8–10 hours of light exposure per day is typical, simulating natural daylight conditions in the aquarium.

2. Water Parameters:

• Temperature: Anemone corals thrive in warmer water, between 75°F to 82°F (24°C–28°C).
• Salinity: Maintain salinity levels around 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
• pH: Keep pH levels between 8.1 to 8.4 for optimal coral health.
• Alkalinity: Aim for an alkalinity range of 8–12 dKH.
• Calcium: Keep calcium levels in the range of 400–450 ppm.
• Nitrate and Phosphate: Keep nitrates below 5 ppm and phosphates as close to 0 as possible to prevent algae growth and stress on the corals.

3. Water Flow:

• Anemone corals prefer moderate water flow that provides gentle movement of the polyps but does not create strong currents that could damage them.
• Adequate water circulation also helps remove waste and distribute nutrients across the coral's surface.

4. Feeding:

• Feeding Frequency: Anemone corals are carnivorous, so they need to be fed regularly. They can capture small plankton, zooplankton, or even live foods (such as brine shrimp or mysis shrimp) with their tentacles.
• Supplemental Feeding: For aquarium specimens, supplemental feeding once or twice a week can help boost growth and vibrancy. They also benefit from the addition of organic matter from the water, such as the products of live rock and filter feeding.

5. Placement in the Tank:

• Substrate: They can be placed directly on the live rock or other stable substrates in the aquarium.
• Positioning: Place them at a moderate height in the tank where they will receive adequate lighting and gentle water flow. Avoid placing them in direct contact with other corals, as their tentacles may sting other organisms.
• Space: Allow enough space between corals to avoid competition for light, space, and nutrients.

6. Tank Mates:

• Anemone corals can coexist with a wide variety of reef tank inhabitants, but avoid placing them with aggressive or stinging corals, which could harm them. Fish that tend to nibble on corals or invertebrates should be avoided.
• Compatible tank mates include peaceful fish, shrimp, snails, and other peaceful invertebrates.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

• Water Quality: Regularly monitor the water parameters, especially calcium, alkalinity, and phosphate levels. Perform weekly water changes of 10-15% to keep nutrient levels low and ensure coral health.
• Pests and Predators: Be aware of pests such as coral-eating snails or certain types of wrasse, which may damage the coral. Regularly inspect your coral for signs of damage or stress.
• Signs of Stress: If the anemone coral is not fully extending its tentacles, has a faded color, or shows signs of bleaching, this may indicate poor water quality, inadequate light, or insufficient feeding.