Posted by PHAqua on October 27, 2002 at 16:02:52:
In Reply to: Dead Sea anemones posted by sandovals on October 17, 2002 at 00:34:18:
Having an anemone exhibit partially flat or inverted tenticles is not unsual. They do go through some odd contortions when digesting their food. A dead anemone will begin to decompose fairly quickly, so if the tissue still feels firm, the animal is probably still alive.
Although silversides seem like the right food for the fish-eating anemone pictured, many tropical species need some variety such as shrimp, squid and other kinds of marine fish in their diets for optimal health and a natural balance of nutrients. Anemones will let you know what they like by rejecting food they dislike.
Anemones do not need fish to clean themselves as long as there is some current in the aquarium. In fact, if the anemone is smaller than a foot or so in diameter, clownfish will actually bother it to the point that it will cease feeding adequately. I would even go so far as to say that clownfish host anemones should be allowed to grow to at least 18 inches before clownfish are introduced.
Lastly, many anemone species can live in low light conditions if fed several times a week, while other species require reef-intensity lighting to thrive.
Tom Lang (PHAqua)
Site Coordinator
AquariumHobbyist.com
