The Colorado Sunburst Anemone is an incredibly vibrant, high end, and somewhat rare Bubble Tip Anemone colour morph. It has red, yellow and orange tentacles with a green mouth and is instantly recognizable. They grow moderately fast and can reach sizes of one foot in diameter, although growing to this size in captivity is somewhat rare. LIke all Bubble Tip Anemones, they have the trademark “bubble” at the end of each of their long, flowing tentacles.
The Colorado Sunburst Anemone has the same range as other types of Bubble Tip Anemones and is found largely in the Indo-Pacific region. They are found at depths of up to 20 meters and use a pedal disc to attach to the reef rockscape, or even sometimes the live reef itself. In a home aquarium, they require a similar environment and are usually placed against the rock on the substrate. Having said that, they are capable of movement and can move around the tank in search of a suitable location. They have a powerful sting and can harm other corals if they get too close.
The Colorado Sunburst Anemone prefers moderate levels of both light and flow. Generally more intense lighting will make their colours more vivid and will encourage the development of the namesake bubbles at the ends of their tentacles. Flow should be sufficient to prevent the buildup of detritus on the anemone. Because it has the ability to move around the tank, it will generally find a spot with appropriate lighting and flow. Anemones contain the same photosynthetic algae as many corals and are able to meet the majority of their energy needs by using the aquarium lighting. They should, however, be fed periodically. They can either be fed chopped squid or other meaty foods or an anemone specific pellet food such as Vitalis Anemone Pellet Food. If the anemone appears to be stringy it may be in need of supplemental feeding.
In the wild anemones, including the Colorado Sunburst, are known for their symbiotic relationship with clownfish. The anemone benefits from leftover food from the clownfish and the clownfish benefits from the protection of the anemone’s stinging tentacles. Clownfish have evolved to not be harmed by the tentacles and are able to live comfortably in the anemone. Having both a clownfish and an anemone in an aquarium allows a hobbyist to observe this fascinating relationship.
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