Long Tentacle Anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis) Care Guide
A graceful anemone with long, flowing tentacles that buries its foot in a sandy substrate. Requires a deep sand bed and will not thrive on rock. Hosts several clownfish species.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published
Overview
Macrodactyla doreensis is a species in the family Actiniidae. A graceful anemone with long, flowing tentacles that buries its foot in a sandy substrate. Requires a deep sand bed and will not thrive on rock. Hosts several clownfish species. Less aggressive sting than carpet anemones but still potent enough to damage neighboring corals.
Taxonomy
- Family: Actiniidae
- Genus: Macrodactyla
- Scientific name: Macrodactyla doreensis
- Other names: LTA, Corkscrew Anemone
- Origin: Indo-Pacific
Habitat
Macrodactyla doreensis is a long-tentacle anemone of Indo-Pacific reefs that anchors its foot in deep sand. It hosts certain clownfish, relies on symbiotic algae supplemented by feeding, and can sting neighbouring corals if it wanders.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 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: 15-40 cm
- Lifespan: 20-50 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
- 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.