Bubble-Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) Propagation Guide

Entacmaea quadricolor, the bubble-tip anemone, multiplies in captivity mainly by asexual longitudinal fission, producing clonal aggregations. Sexual reproduction is broadcast spawning with long-lived pelagic larvae that are not reared at home.

Overview

Entacmaea quadricolor, the bubble-tip anemone, is widespread throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, and grows up to about 30 cm in diameter. It obtains most of its energy from symbiotic zooxanthellae. Smaller specimens tend to show the bulbous tentacle tips that give the species its name, while larger solitary adults often have more streaming, stringy tentacles. It hosts 14 anemonefish species, including Clark's, tomato, orange-fin, red-and-black and maroon anemonefish.

Reproductive Mode

The species reproduces both sexually and asexually. Its main sexual mode is broadcast spawning, which in eastern Australian waters occurs at the start of the year between January and April. It also reproduces asexually by longitudinal fission, though in the wild this is described as occurring only on rare occasions.

Asexual Propagation by Fission

Asexual longitudinal fission is the practical route to increasing numbers: a single anemone splits into two genetically identical individuals. This clonal process allows quick reproduction of successful genotypes but leads to genetic isolation and reduced dispersal. In aquaria, captive bubble-tip anemones commonly split on their own and form clonal clusters, which is how hobbyist stock is propagated.

Sexual Reproduction

Sexual reproduction relies on pelagic larvae. Larvae of E. quadricolor have been observed surviving up to 59 days in the water column, with peak settlement around 10 days. Because the larvae are long-lived and planktonic, sexual reproduction is not reproduced in home aquaria; it requires open water or specialised culture.