Stichodactyla haddoni (Haddon's Carpet Anemone) Breeding & Propagation Guide

Reproduction of Stichodactyla haddoni: pelagic sexual spawning that cannot be done at home and the rare asexual fission of sea anemones. What hobbyists should realistically expect.

Overview

Stichodactyla haddoni is a sand-dwelling carpet anemone of the family Stichodactylidae found on sandy substrates throughout the Indo-Pacific. Wikipedia reports an oral disc of 50–80 cm in diameter. It feeds both through photosynthesis by symbiotic zooxanthellae and by capturing prey with toxins such as SHTX, and hosts six clownfish species plus the three-spot damselfish. Its potent sting and predatory nature shape any reproduction discussion.

Reproductive Mode

As a sea anemone, S. haddoni can reproduce both sexually and asexually in principle. Wikipedia explains that in sea anemones males release sperm to trigger egg release by females, with fertilization in the water column or internally, followed by a drifting planula larva that settles and metamorphoses. The consulted sources give no captive-specific spawning protocol for this species.

Asexual Propagation

Asexual routes available to sea anemones are longitudinal fission into identical clones, the rarer transverse fission, and pedal laceration, where pieces shed from the pedal disc regenerate into new clones. In large host anemones division is infrequent, so this is not a dependable propagation pathway for aquarists.

Sexual Reproduction

Sexual reproduction is broadcast and pelagic: gametes enter open water and planula larvae drift in the plankton before settling. That open-water larval phase cannot be reproduced in a closed aquarium, so home sexual breeding of S. haddoni is not feasible.

Common Challenges

This anemone needs a deep sand bed for its buried column and a large stable reef. Its strong sting can capture and kill tankmates, and because reproduction is pelagic, the practical objective is healthy long-term maintenance rather than propagation.