© Tim Sheerman-Chase / CC BY 2.0Adhesive Anemone
The Adhesive Anemone (Cryptodendrum adhaesivum) is a striking sea anemone covered in short, densely packed tentacles across its oral disc. Its tentacles cling firmly to anything they touch, which is how it earned the "adhesive" name, and its patterned disc has also given it the nickname "pizza anemone." Like corals, it hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae and is found across Indo-West Pacific coral reefs. Among host anemones, it's considered one of the more demanding species to keep, reacting sensitively to shifts in water quality and lighting. Its unusual texture and bold coloring make it a real showpiece for experienced marine aquarists.
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Adhesive Anemone key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- Diet
- Photosynthesis via zooxanthellae plus meaty foods
- Lighting
- It depends on zooxanthellae and needs fairly strong light; under low light it shrinks and fails to recover.
- Flow & Placement
- Give moderate flow and a rock crevice where it can anchor its foot. Fit guards on pump intakes.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Keep 24-27 C and 1.022-1.025 specific gravity stable; it is sensitive to declining water quality.
- Feeding
- Target-feed minced fish or shrimp onto the centre of the oral disc once or twice a week.
- Notes
- The tentacles are strongly adhesive and cling to bare skin. Position it clear of other corals.
About Adhesive Anemone
A host anemone covered in short, sticky tentacles, prized by experienced reefkeepers for its striking pizza-like disc pattern and Indo-West Pacific origins.
7 things to know before welcoming a Adhesive Anemone
1Expert-Level Care
The Adhesive Anemone is considered one of the more demanding host anemones to keep, suited to experienced aquarists. It reacts sensitively to sudden shifts in water quality or lighting, so a stable, well-established tank matters.
2Sticky, Clinging Tentacles
Its short, densely packed tentacles grip firmly onto anything they touch. Give some thought to placement so it doesn't come into contact with other livestock or rockwork it could stick to.
3Zooxanthellae & Lighting
Like corals, it hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae, so adequate lighting is essential to its health. Insufficient light can affect its coloration and overall condition.
4Tends to Relocate Itself
If it's unhappy with its spot, it may relocate itself within the tank. When choosing a placement, leave enough surrounding space so a move won't bring it into contact with other animals.
5Stable Water Quality
This species is sensitive to fluctuations in water quality and flow, so it does better in a well-established tank than a newly cycled one. Regular water testing helps catch changes early.
6Mind the Stinging Cells
Like other anemones, it carries stinging cells in its tentacles, which can irritate tankmates other than any symbiotic clownfish. It's worth checking compatibility with existing livestock before adding one.
7Careful Acclimation
Newly arrived specimens are especially sensitive to environmental stress, so a slow, careful acclimation process matters. Keep an eye on how the tentacles extend and behave in the days after introduction.
Frequently asked questions about Adhesive Anemone
- Q.Can beginners keep an Adhesive Anemone?
- A.The Adhesive Anemone is considered one of the more demanding host anemones, generally recommended for experienced aquarists. It's best to gain some marine aquarium experience before taking one on.
- Q.Can it be kept together with clownfish?
- A.Cryptodendrum is a type of host anemone, and certain clownfish species can form a symbiotic relationship with it. That said, compatibility can vary between individuals, so watch closely how they interact after introducing them.
- Q.Why is it called the "pizza anemone"?
- A.The nickname comes from the pattern on its oral disc, which resembles pizza toppings. The exact pattern and coloring can vary from one individual to another.
- Q.What water quality and lighting does it need?
- A.Because it hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae, adequate lighting is essential. It also does best in a mature, well-established tank with stable water quality and flow.
- Q.Why is it considered difficult to keep?
- A.It's sensitive to changes in water quality and lighting, and its sticky tentacles can easily affect nearby livestock or rockwork. Among host anemones, it's regarded as one that requires real hands-on experience to manage well.
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