Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla sp.) Care Guide

A large, powerful anemone that can spread over 60cm across. Has an extremely potent sting capable of killing fish and causing painful welts on human skin. Can catch and eat fish that swim too close.

Overview

Stichodactyla sp. is a species in the family Stichodactylidae. A large, powerful anemone that can spread over 60cm across. Has an extremely potent sting capable of killing fish and causing painful welts on human skin. Can catch and eat fish that swim too close. Only for expert reefers with large, established systems.

Taxonomy

Family: Stichodactylidae
Genus: Stichodactyla
Scientific name: Stichodactyla sp.
Other names: Haddoni Anemone
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Stichodactyla species are large, flat carpet anemones of Indo-Pacific reefs that host clownfish. They have a powerful sting capable of catching fish and harming tankmates, draw energy from symbiotic algae, and need intense light and a stable, mature system.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 400 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: 30-60 cm
Lifespan: 30-100 years
Difficulty: advanced

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: aggressive
Position in tank: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish
Avoid with: Small Fish, Corals, Other Anemones, Powerheads

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.