Considering adding a Carpet Anemone to your marine aquarium? Hold that thought! Here’s what you need to know about these vibrant, but challenging beauties, before you dive in.
The Magnificent but Voracious Carpet Anemone
Carpet Anemones certainly live up to their name. Just like their terrestrial counterparts, they spread wide. An adult can stretch up to three feet across, demanding ample space, especially if you’re housing it with other marine life. Remember, it can prove to be a rather deadly neighbor.
The rippling motion of continually moving water is vital for keeping these creatures alive. Imagine the strong, lashing waves at the seashore – that’s the kind of vigorous water motion a Carpet Anemone wishes for. Essentially, giving these marine animals what they need might be a prickly affair on your wallet.
Anemone Types and Required Water Conditions
If you have a sizable aquarium system (think a few hundred gallons), and can maintain around 30 water volume turnovers per hour, you’re on the right path. Yet, even this might not guarantee a safe cohabitation for other marine species.
Carpet Anemones share a delightful relationship with Clownfish, but they are known to gobble up almost everything else that crosses their path.
Species of Carpet Anemones
- The Gigantic Carpet Anemone, Stichodactyla gigantea, a breathtaking spectacle but a tough pet.
- Haddon’s Carpet Anemone, Stichodactyla haddoni, easier to maintain but beware of its belligerent temperament and venomous sting.
- Merten’s Carpet Sea Anemone, Stichodactyla mertensii.
- The Atlantic Carpet Anemone, a strong stinger with a penchant for feasting on fish, including Clownfish!
Interspecies relations can indeed be a risky business when it comes to a Carpet Anemone sharing a tank. The seemingly harmonious co-existence might quickly turn into a survival of the fittest scenario.
A Marine Neighborhood with a Carpet Anemone
It’s not all doom and gloom. Several marine animal species could actually stand their ground in the mighty presence of a Carpet Anemone. Some types of angelfish, trigger fish, and puffers might make an honor roll, alongside crabs.
The catch? Even though these species might occasionally fall prey to the anemone, they often show no restraint in trying to turn the tables. In fact, the Carpet Anemone might find itself at the losing end. An aquarium featuring a Carpet Anemone alongside other marine species can thus be viewed as an intricate balancing act.
As a closing note, if you’re adamant about bringing home a Carpet Anemone, invest time in researching extensively about them – being prepared is the only way forward.