Stichodactyla haddoni ( Carpet Anemone )

The Stichodactyla haddoni , or Carpet Anemone, is one of the largest and most impressive anemones in the aquarium hobby. Its surface is covered with thousands of tiny, short, dense tentacles, resembling a thick carpet. It is a powerful predator capable of capturing small fish.

Advanced species reserved for highly experienced aquarists only. Very demanding in terms of conditions.

Requirements — Strict

• Lighting: very strong — 250–400 PAR minimum
• Water flow: low to moderate
• Temperature: 25–27°C, strictly stable — Salinity: 1.025–1.026, strictly stable
• pH: 7.8–8.4 (normal natural day/night fluctuation in a reef tank)
• Nitrates: <5 ppm — Phosphates: <0.05 ppm
• Minimum sandy substrate 5 cm — Very mature tank, minimum 18–24 months

Behavior

Anchors itself in sandy substrate. Can reach 30–60 cm in adulthood. Sticky, stinging tentacles capture anything they touch. Dangerous to most small fish and invertebrates.

Compatibility

Natural host of Amphiprion clarkii and A. perideraion . Very dangerous to other fish and invertebrates.