Condylactis Anemone (Condylactis gigantea) Care Guide

A hardy Caribbean anemone with thick tentacles tipped in pink, purple, or green. One of the easiest anemones to keep. Does NOT typically host clownfish (which are Indo-Pacific).

Overview

Condylactis gigantea is a species in the family Actiniidae. A hardy Caribbean anemone with thick tentacles tipped in pink, purple, or green. One of the easiest anemones to keep. Does NOT typically host clownfish (which are Indo-Pacific). More affordable and more commonly available than Indo-Pacific species.

Taxonomy

Family: Actiniidae
Genus: Condylactis
Scientific name: Condylactis gigantea
Other names: Haitian Anemone, Giant Golden Anemone
Origin: Caribbean, Western Atlantic

Habitat

Condylactis gigantea is a large anemone of shallow reefs and seagrass in the Caribbean and western Atlantic. It hosts symbiotic algae and captures prey with stinging tentacles; it does not reliably host Indo-Pacific clownfish and may sting or catch nearby fish.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 100 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: 15-30 cm
Lifespan: 10-30 years
Difficulty: beginner

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: Most Reef Fish
Avoid with: Corals, 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.