Description
Rose Bubble Tip Anemone
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The Rose Bubble Tip Anemone (RBT), also known as the Bulb Anemone, is a popular species in the marine aquarium trade due to its vibrant colors and symbiotic relationship with clownfish. It belongs to the family Actiniidae and is characterized by its bulbous-tipped tentacles, which can display stunning hues of pink, red, or rose, often with a greenish base. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef and Red Sea, it’s a hardy yet demanding species that thrives under proper care.
Also Known As: ENTACMAEA QUADRICOLOR
Care Requirements:
To keep a Rose Bubble Tip Anemone healthy in a reef aquarium, specific conditions must be met:
Tank Size: Minimum 50 gallons, though larger tanks (100+ gallons) are better for stability and space, especially if hosting clownfish.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
- Nitrate: <5 ppm
- Phosphate: <0.05 ppm
- Calcium: 400–450 ppm
- Stable water chemistry is critical, as anemones are sensitive to fluctuations.
Lighting: High-intensity lighting is essential, preferably full-spectrum LED or metal halide (PAR 200–300+). RBTs rely on symbiotic zooxanthellae for photosynthesis, so strong lighting mimics their natural reef environment.
Water Flow: Moderate to high, random flow to simulate natural currents. Avoid direct, strong jets that could tear tentacles.
Substrate and Placement: Provide a rocky substrate or crevice for attachment, as RBTs like to anchor their foot. Place mid-to-high in the tank under strong light, but allow them to move to their preferred spot.
Feeding: While zooxanthellae provide much of their nutrition, supplemental feeding 1–2 times per week with meaty foods (e.g., shrimp, fish, or silversides) supports growth and health. Use small pieces to avoid overfeeding, and target-feed with tongs.
Tank Maintenance: Regular water changes (10–20% weekly) and monitoring for algae or pests like Aiptasia, which can compete with the anemone.
Behavior:
- Movement: RBTs are semi-mobile and may move to find optimal light or flow conditions. They can stretch, contract, or split (asexual reproduction) if stressed or healthy.
- Symbiosis: They form mutualistic relationships with clownfish (e.g., Amphiprion ocellaris, A. percula), providing protection from predators via stinging tentacles while clownfish offer food scraps and deter predators.
- Stinging: RBTs have potent nematocysts (stinging cells) that can harm corals, other anemones, or fish without immunity. They may expand or retract tentacles based on environmental conditions or threats.
Compatibility:
- Clownfish: Ideal tankmates, as many species naturally bond with RBTs. Common compatible species include Ocellaris, Percula, and Maroon clownfish.
- Fish: Safe with most reef-safe fish that won’t nip at tentacles (e.g., gobies, blennies, tangs). Avoid aggressive fish like triggers or puffers, which may damage the anemone.
- Invertebrates: Use caution with corals and other sessile invertebrates, as RBTs can sting and outcompete them for space. Keep at least 6–12 inches of clearance from corals like SPS or LPS. Shrimp and crabs are generally compatible unless they disturb the anemone.
- Other Anemones: Avoid housing with other anemone species, as they may engage in chemical warfare or physical stinging battles.
- Tank Setup: Best in established tanks (6+ months) with stable parameters. Avoid placing in new tanks due to sensitivity to ammonia or nitrite spikes.