Gigantea carpet anemone

Care at a glance

The gigantea carpet anemone forms a broad, low carpet of short tentacles that often glows bright green, turquoise or purple. Of all anemones this is the most sought-after host for clownfish; most species accept it almost immediately.

It is, however, one of the most difficult: it demands very strong light, a deep sand bed and absolutely stable water, and weakened animals decline fast. Buy only a specimen with a firm, attached foot and full tentacles, and keep it away from corals, because its stinging cells are powerful.

Good to know

• Potent sting — keep distance in the tank
• Outgrows most home tanks
• Preys on shrimp and snails
• Needs a mature, stable tank

Related species

• Curly-cue anemoneBartholomea annulata
• Tube anemoneCerianthus membranaceus
• Long tentacle anemoneMacrodactyla doreensis
• Frilled anemone (metridium)Metridium senile
• Beaded sea anemoneHeteractis aurora
• Sebae anemoneHeteractis crispa