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.

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.