Pizza Anemone Care Guide
Cryptodendrum adhaesivum is a rare host anemone whose disc bears two tentacle types and is extremely sticky; it hosts only Amphiprion clarkii.
Overview
Cryptodendrum adhaesivum, the adhesive or pizza anemone, grows to about 30 cm and is the only species in its monotypic genus. Its oral disc bears two distinct tentacle types: narrow, branched central tentacles about 5 mm long with five or more finger-like tips, and bubble-like edge tentacles around 1 mm across, often in contrasting colors. The disc has a beaded, waving curved edge and the tentacles are extremely sticky.
Taxonomy
- Family: Thalassianthidae
- Genus: Cryptodendrum (monotypic)
- Scientific name: Cryptodendrum adhaesivum
- Authority: Klunzinger, 1877
Habitat
It is widely distributed in tropical waters from the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific. It hosts symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that help feed the host, so it relies on photosynthesis as a primary energy source.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH (alkalinity): 8-11
- Lighting: strong, stable reef lighting
- Lifespan: long-lived (5-30 years)
Diet
Energy comes mainly from its symbiotic zooxanthellae. In aquariums it can be offered meaty foods such as mysis roughly once weekly, but stable bright lighting is essential for long-term survival.
Compatibility
It hosts only a single anemonefish, Amphiprion clarkii, plus juvenile Dascyllus trimaculatus, although most specimens are found without anemonefish. Commensal associates include porcelain crabs (Neopetrolisthes maculatus), Periclimenes shrimp and Thor amboinensis. Butterflyfish should be avoided.