Bubble Tip Anemone

Otherwise known as bulb tip anemone, bulb tentacle anemone or bulb anemone, bubble tip anemone is named after the bulbous tips of their tentacles. These sea anemones belong to the genus Entacmaea, and family Actiniidae. They can be found in different colors, like, red, tan, brown, orange, rose and green. Bubble tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) is said to be among those sea anemones that can be easily grown in a saltwater aquarium.

Some Bubble Tip Anemone Facts

So, the characteristic feature of this anemone is the bulb-like tentacle tips. It is said that some of these anemones have prominent bulbous tips, whereas others lack that. In some cases, it may also happen that the bulbous tips appear and disappear intermittently. In their natural habitat, these sea anemones are found in two types. One is the larger, solitary type with long streaming tentacles and the other is the smaller type with numerous, small tentacles. The larger ones are solitary and are found in deep waters, where light is scarce. The smaller ones are found in groups, that too in shallow waters, where they get bright sunlight. The bulbous tips are more prominently seen in this type of bubble tip anemone. It is believed that the occurrence of bulbous tips is related to the amount of sunlight received by the anemone.

These anemones use their tentacles to collect nutrients. This is done through filter feeding. These anemones are among the naturals hosts for several clownfish species. The debris from the body of these clownfish is also used as food, by the bubble tip anemone. It is said that these anemones have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae (flagellate protozoa), which help the former in deriving energy from solar radiation. These anemones are found to grow to a diameter of around one foot. Even though, clownfish and sea anemones are found to be the best partners, it is not necessary that you have to keep the former along with the latter and vice versa.

Bubble Tip Anemone Care

While buying these anemones, make sure to choose the ones that are anchored to some object. Avoid those with distended mouth, which is an indication of poor health. As these anemones can sting, you have to be cautious, while, handling them.

• Bubble tip anemones are ideal for reef tanks. The tanks with a minimum capacity of 30 to 40 gallons are required for housing these anemones, as they can grow to big sizes.
• The temperature must be maintained between 25°C - 28°C. You must also make sure that the pH of water is between 1.3 to 8.4 and the specific gravity is 1.024. Another requirement is the intermittent water flow in the tank. You may require at least two power heads to create medium, indirect current. Make sure to cover the intake of power heads to avoid the anemone from getting sucked up.
• One of the important factors of bubble tip anemone care is sufficient bright light. You may use VHO or Metal Halide lighting. For a 25 to 30 gallon tank, you may use 150W Metal Halide or 120W VHO. You must also provide with live rocks in the tank. Apart from making the tank look more natural, live rocks are also useful in filtration and also acts as good bases for the anemones, to get attached with.
• If you notice that the anemone is moving places, then, understand that there is some problem with the settings, particularly, with the lighting or feeding. You have to feed them once or twice a week with small pieces (size of 1 to 2 inches) of brine shrimp, Mysid shrimp, mussels, squid, clams, etc.
• Gently place the food in between the tentacles with the help of feeding sticks, chopsticks, tank tongs, etc. Never feed them with your hands, as they can sting. The amount food must be increased slightly, if you notice that the anemone is shrinking in size.
• Bubble tip anemones, kept in favorable conditions may grow large and split. Tanks with insufficient light may lead to withering away of these anemones. Even shortage of food may result in their death. So, maintain the specific tank conditions.

Taking care of bubbletip anemones is said to be an easy task. But, you must gain a thorough understanding about how to take care of them properly. If properly cared, these anemones will have a good lifespan and split to form new ones.