© Chaloklum Diving / CC BY 3.0Mini Carpet Anemone
The Mini Carpet Anemone is a compact member of the Haddon's anemone family, recognized by clusters of knobby tentacles gathered across its oral disc. The tentacles sit just far enough apart that glimpses of the disc show through the gaps, giving each individual a distinctive textured look. Tentacle tips often run green or brown, though striking red, purple, and orange color morphs also turn up, making it a real eye-catcher in the tank. Its compact size suits nano reef setups well, and it's popular as a layout accent. Like other anemones, though, it responds strongly to water quality and lighting, so it's best suited to intermediate keepers ready to maintain a stable environment.
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Mini Carpet Anemone key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Diet
- Nutrition from symbiotic zooxanthellae, supplemented about once a week with meaty foods such as fish, shrimp and clam.
- Lighting
- LiveAquaria rates its lighting requirement as high; strong illumination is needed to hold the bright colour forms.
- Flow & Placement
- LiveAquaria rates flow as medium and placement as bottom and middle. It settles among rocks or on the substrate and, once established, tends to stay put.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Water 22-26C, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. LiveAquaria rates care as easy, but states that a fully established aquarium with good water chemistry and strong illumination is a precondition.
- Feeding
- Besides photosynthesis, feed meaty foods weekly or even daily. Chop the food finely to suit its small size.
- Notes
- It is one of the few anemones that can cause a severe reaction in humans, so do not handle it bare-handed. It is not known to host clownfish. It is not listed in the CITES Appendices.
About Mini Carpet Anemone
A small Haddon's anemone with clusters of knobby tentacles on its oral disc, leaving gaps where the disc shows through. Green or brown, with red, purple, and orange morphs. An intermediate-level species.
7 things to know before welcoming a Mini Carpet Anemone
1Strong Light & Flow
Like most anemones, it hosts symbiotic algae and does best under strong reef-grade lighting with steady water flow. Choose a spot in the tank where light reaches consistently.
2Mind the Stinging Cells
It isn't an aggressive species, but its tentacles carry stinging cells, and it is one of the few anemones that can cause a serious reaction in people. Avoid touching it with bare hands, and keep some distance from other livestock in your layout.
3Stays Put Once Settled
It settles among rocks or on the substrate and, once established, doesn't move around much. Choose its spot carefully at the start, and keep it away from pump intakes and lighting equipment.
4Feed Based on Condition
While it relies mainly on photosynthesis from its symbiotic algae, occasional feeding based on its condition can support color and health. Remove any uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
5Stable Water Quality
It's sensitive to shifts in water quality and temperature, which is why it's considered an intermediate-level species. It settles in better in a tank with stable, established parameters than in a newly cycled one.
6Give It Room
As the oral disc expands it takes up more space, so leaving generous room between it and neighboring corals or other individuals helps avoid contact issues.
7Acclimate Slowly
It may appear shrunken or stressed right after arrival due to transport. Take time with drip acclimation and avoid disturbing it until it settles in.
Frequently asked questions about Mini Carpet Anemone
- Q.Will clownfish host in a Mini Carpet Anemone?
- A.It isn't known to serve as a host for clownfish, so it's best not to count on it as a clownfish home. Crabs and shrimp, on the other hand, are often seen gathering around it.
- Q.Does color morph affect care difficulty?
- A.Color morphs (green, brown, red, purple, orange, etc.) are mainly a visual trait and don't significantly change how demanding the animal is to keep. Whatever the color, treat it as an intermediate-level species and maintain stable water quality.
- Q.Can it share a tank with other corals?
- A.Because its tentacles carry stinging cells, placing it too close to other corals may affect them. It doesn't move much once settled, but its oral disc expands, so leave plenty of room in your layout.
- Q.How much lighting does it need?
- A.It photosynthesizes via symbiotic algae, so strong reef-grade lighting suits it well. Pick a spot in the tank where it can reliably get enough light.
- Q.Is this suitable for beginners?
- A.This species is rated as intermediate-level care and is sensitive to shifts in water quality and temperature. It's best to gain some experience running an established tank before bringing one home.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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