© RevolverOcelot / CC BY-SA 3.0Rock Flower Anemone
The rock flower anemone is a striking reef anemone native to sandy seabeds in the Caribbean. Its oral disc, which can reach up to about 15 cm across, is ringed with roughly 200 short tentacles, and coloration varies enormously between individuals, with greens, reds, purples, and yellows all common. It buries its column in the sand to anchor itself and tends to stay put once settled, giving it a calm presence in the tank. It is generally considered easy to keep, making it a popular choice for reef keepers who want a splash of anemone color.
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Rock Flower Anemone key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Size
- Oral disc up to about 15cm across
- Temperature
- 24〜27℃
- Diet
- Photosynthesis via zooxanthellae plus meaty foods
- Lighting
- It holds zooxanthellae, so give moderate to strong light; colour depends on light level.
- Flow & Placement
- Low to moderate flow. It buries its column, so provide a deep sand bed or a crevice in live rock.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 24-27 C and 1.022-1.025 specific gravity. It keeps well long term in stable water.
- Feeding
- Feed minced fish, shrimp or pellets to the oral disc once or twice weekly.
- Notes
- The sting is not severe, but it can move, so leave space between it and other corals.
About Rock Flower Anemone
A guide to the rock flower anemone, a Caribbean sand-dwelling anemone known for its wide color variation and beginner-friendly care, popular for adding vivid color to reef tanks.
7 things to know before welcoming a Rock Flower Anemone
1Sandy Substrate Is Essential
Rock flower anemones bury their column in sand to anchor themselves, so a tank with a good layer of sand substrate rather than bare rock is essential. Without enough sand, they will struggle to settle in comfortably.
2Coloration Varies by Individual
Tentacle color varies widely between individuals, spanning green, red, purple, and yellow. The coloring you see when bringing one home is generally what you will continue to enjoy.
3Settles and Rarely Moves
Once it finds a spot it likes and buries its column there, it tends not to move much afterward. Some initial repositioning right after introduction is normal as it settles in.
4Beginner-Friendly Difficulty
Among anemones, this species is considered relatively easy to keep. That said, it is sensitive to sudden water quality changes, so keep water changes on a steady schedule.
5Mind the Distance from Tankmates
Its tentacles can irritate nearby corals or fish if they make contact. Give it enough distance from other tankmates when choosing a placement.
6Plan Tank Space for Its Size
The oral disc can expand to roughly 15 cm across at its largest, so leave enough room in your tank layout to accommodate its full size.
7Check Condition Before Bringing Home
Look for a specimen with a fully expanded oral disc and firm, extended tentacles. It is best to avoid individuals with a shriveled or damaged column.
Frequently asked questions about Rock Flower Anemone
- Q.Can beginners keep a rock flower anemone?
- A.It is considered beginner-friendly and relatively easy to keep. Even so, it's important to avoid sudden water quality changes and maintain a stable environment.
- Q.Can its color change over time?
- A.Slight shifts in shade can occur depending on the environment and the individual's condition, but it won't change into an entirely different color. The coloring at the time you bring it home is a good general guide.
- Q.Can it be kept with corals or fish?
- A.Contact between its tentacles and other livestock can sometimes cause problems, so keep some distance when placing it. Adjust your layout based on how it interacts with its surroundings.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.The oral disc can reach roughly 15 cm across at maximum. It's a good idea to leave enough space in your tank layout to accommodate this.
- Q.Is it subject to CITES?
- A.The rock flower anemone is not subject to CITES.
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