© Scott Mills / CC BY-SA 2.5Merten's Carpet Anemone
Merten's Carpet Anemone is considered one of the largest sea anemones in the world, with an oral disc that can exceed one meter across. Rather than a neat circle, its disc takes on an oval shape that spreads to follow the contours of the rock or coral it settles on. Its tentacles are notably short, only about 1 to 2 centimeters, giving it a more subdued look compared to other carpet anemones. Wart-like adhesive projections anchor it firmly to the substrate, and once settled it tends to stay in place. In an aquarium, its sheer scale makes a striking centerpiece, and it's a species favored by experienced keepers.
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Merten's Carpet Anemone key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Size
- Oral disc over 1 m, tentacles 1-2 cm
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Diet
- Nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae, supplemented about once a week with meaty foods such as fish, shrimp and clam.
- Lighting
- It carries obligate symbiotic zooxanthellae and does require illumination.
- Flow & Placement
- Unlike its sand-dwelling relatives it attaches to rocky or coral substrate and spreads along the contours of that surface.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Keep it within the care parameters LiveAquaria lists for anemones of this family: 22-26C and a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025.
- Feeding
- Besides photosynthesis, offer meaty foods such as fish, shrimp and clam. The oral disc is large, so place food at several points.
- Notes
- At over 1 m across it needs a tank sized for the footprint it will eventually occupy. It is easily confused with the related carpet anemones. It is not listed in the CITES Appendices.
About Merten's Carpet Anemone
Merten's Carpet Anemone can grow to over a meter across, among the largest anemones known. Its oval disc and short 1-2cm tentacles make it a distinctive but advanced-level species to keep.
7 things to know before welcoming a Merten's Carpet Anemone
1Impressive Scale
Its oral disc can exceed one meter in diameter, making it one of the largest sea anemones known. Plan for a tank that can accommodate its eventual size before bringing one home.
2An Oval-Shaped Disc
Rather than a perfect circle, its disc tends to spread in an oval shape that follows the contours of the rock or coral beneath it. How it spreads will depend on the shape of its chosen spot, so factor this into your aquascape planning.
3Short Tentacles
At just 1 to 2 centimeters, its tentacles are shorter than those of many other carpet anemones. This length is worth factoring in when considering compatibility with symbiotic fish.
4Firmly Anchored
Wart-like adhesive projections let it attach firmly to rock or coral. Once settled, it rarely relocates on its own, so choose its placement carefully from the start.
5Advanced-Level Care
It demands stable water quality and strong lighting, placing its care difficulty in the advanced category. It's best introduced only once your tank environment is well established.
6Plan for a Permanent Spot
Because it rarely moves once attached, decide on a location with enough space and steady lighting and flow before bringing one home.
7Life With Tankmates
As a large anemone, it can become a centerpiece when paired with symbiotic clownfish. Be sure to research compatibility with any tankmates in advance.
Frequently asked questions about Merten's Carpet Anemone
- Q.Can beginners keep a Merten's Carpet Anemone?
- A.Its care difficulty is considered advanced. Because it demands stable water quality and strong lighting, it's best to wait until your tank is well established before considering one.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.Its oral disc can exceed one meter in diameter, making it one of the largest sea anemones known. Plan for a tank that can accommodate this eventual size.
- Q.Does it move once it settles?
- A.It attaches firmly to rock or coral using wart-like adhesive projections, so it rarely relocates once settled. Choose its placement carefully before introducing it.
- Q.How is it different from other carpet anemones?
- A.Its tentacles are shorter, at about 1 to 2 centimeters, and its disc spreads in more of an oval shape rather than a perfect circle. It can also grow larger than one meter across, setting it apart in scale as well.
- Q.What tank size do I need for one?
- A.Since its disc can exceed one meter across, plan for a large tank that accommodates future growth. Make sure to leave enough space in your layout for other livestock as well.
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