Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) Care Guide
The most popular anemone for hosting clownfish in captivity, with distinctive bulb-tipped tentacles. Comes in green, rose, and rainbow varieties. Can split to reproduce.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published
Overview
Entacmaea quadricolor is a species in the family Actiniidae. The most popular anemone for hosting clownfish in captivity, with distinctive bulb-tipped tentacles. Comes in green, rose, and rainbow varieties. Can split to reproduce. Will wander the tank until it finds a suitable spot, potentially stinging corals along the way.
Taxonomy
- Family: Actiniidae
- Genus: Entacmaea
- Scientific name: Entacmaea quadricolor
- Other names: BTA, Rose Bubble Tip
- Origin: Indo-Pacific
Habitat
Entacmaea quadricolor is a sea anemone of Indo-Pacific reefs, often hosting clownfish in a symbiotic partnership. Its tentacles may form characteristic bulbous tips. It relies on symbiotic algae plus captured prey and can move around the tank seeking suitable light and flow.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- KH: 8-12 dKH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 10-30 cm
- Lifespan: 20-80 years
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1-2x weekly. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Position in tank: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Wrasses, Tangs
- Avoid with: Corals, Powerheads, Other Anemones
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe with caution: may disturb other sessile invertebrates, sting neighbouring corals or prey on small ornamental shrimps, so placement and tankmates need consideration.