Posted by Buddy on October 02, 2002 at 21:41:50:
In Reply to: \ posted by bodfean on October 01, 2002 at 19:25:42:
Hi, it sounds more like to me it`s a Heteractis magnifica, and the other problem with this type of anemone is it can be a host to a wide number of clowns for this anemone it`s purple color can be light to deep purple and as well red, pink, orange and few more colors.
Heteractis Type Anemones
Heteractis anemomes are part of the very large Sea Anemone class (family) of animals. Over 1100 varieties of anemones, species I should say, have been identified when I last checked the data. Few of them have been described in great detail though and classified. Many more have not been identified and classified at all. This is not surprising given the number of different types of anemones one can find across the oceans, considering that anemones are found in cold, temperate and tropical waters around the world in all oceans..
This is especially helpful since many hobbyists wish to maintain these types of anemones in their aquariums but often have problems with long time survival. This article attempts to bring you as much information as possible, to enable you to maintain these anemones under the best of conditions, thus extending their life in your aquarium.
Keeping anemones (in general, not just Heteractis types) is not as simple as hobbyists used to think, and what they require.
In general, the most commonly made mistake is that hobbyists do not provide enough lighting energy for anemones. As a result their symbiotic algae start to die off and the anemone does not do well and slowly starts to show signs that are indicative of its possible demise. Real high amounts of lighting are necessary for all anemones. It is not unusual to have to provide 5 or more watts per gallon of water in the aquarium for them to do well. I realize that watts per gallon is not the best manner in which to express lighting intensity, but it certainly is one that hobbyists can relate to.
Another mistake that is often made is not feeding anemones. Most if not all anemones will fare much better when fed at least once or twice a week. Large specimens should be fed daily. Shrimp, scallop or mussel meat . More on lighting and on feeding later though.
Very often the anemome will do well for a few months and then starts to shrink. The anemone gets smaller and smaller, often exhibits odd behavior and does not do well overall. This can happen after a few weeks, but more than likely starts to happen after a few months. ><{{{{">
Buddy
:We got an anemone, sold to us as a purple, but doesn't look very purple! It's moved round the tank a bit but seems settled atm, can post a pic for ID but would like advice on type and frequency of feeding - it's quite big-max diameter is 9-ish inches, and tentacles are 1 1/2 inch long, whole is pink in colour with yellow/green tips and pink/purple base. It has "fallen" off it's rock but does re-attach. Has been fed some things (mainly frozen) and seeems to like them but not always. Any help gratefully received as the clowns love it and were living in it within ten mins of introdution, and does seem healthy after accepting food! Thanks to anyone who can help.
