The Blue Carpet Anemone, also known as the Haddon’s Carpet Anemone or Saddle Anemone, makes a beautiful, although somewhat aggressive, addition to a home aquarium. It differs from other types of anemones, such as the Bubble Tip Anemone, in that its tentacles are much shorter and more tightly packed. This, combined with its relatively flat growth pattern, gives it a carpetlike appearance. It can grow quite large, reaching up to 3 feet in diameter when fully grown. The Blue Carpet Anemone has blue tentacles with tips that are sometimes a different shade of blue or purple. Like other large anemones, it has been known to eat small fish, other than resident clownfish, and invertebrates.
This anemone is found in the Indo-Pacific region in waters between 2 and 30 meters deep. They generally make their homes in coral or rocky reef systems or in seagrass beds on sandy substrate. Multiple species of clownfish will host a carpet anemone in the wild. This is one of the most fascinating symbiotic relationships in the ocean and can be recreated in a home aquarium. Placement in a home tank should be in the substrate. It may be a good idea to place the anemone and then reduce the flow to allow its foot to attach securely to the substrate to prevent it from being blown around the tank. Because they are capable of movement, they will move themselves if they are not in a desirable location. They should also be placed a minimum of 12” from any other anemones. Hobbyists should also take care when handling them, as they pack a potent sting.
The Blue Carpet Anemone requires a high level of light and moderate levels of flow. The flow should be sufficient to prevent the buildup of detritus but not so strong that its flesh is blown around aggressively.
The Blue Carpet Anemone is photosynthetic but they will benefit from periodic feeding of chopped meaty foods or anemone specific pellet food such as Vitalis Anemone Pellets. Many hobbyists claim the supplemental feeding is necessary to ensure their long term health in an aquarium.
Like other anemones, the Blue Carpet Anemone reproduces by splitting, although this is very rare in a home aquarium. They cannot be fragged like corals and propagation shouldn’t be attempted by hobbyists.
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