If you came across this article, you probably wonder what the best anemone for clownfish is? There are so many different types of anemones, so choosing the suitable one can be overwhelming.
This article will walk you through what you should be looking for when searching for the best anemone for your clownfish.
We will deep dive into compatibility with different clownfish species, how hardy these anemones are, and what tank size you will need to keep them.
But first, let’s find out what types of anemones host clownfish in the wild.
In the wild, the Ocellaris clownfish is hosted by the Magnificent Sea Anemone, Merten’s Carpet Sea Anemone, and Giant Carpet Sea Anemone.
Unfortunately, most of these anemones are not suitable for our home aquariums. The anemones listed below are common in the saltwater aquarium hobby and are successfully kept by many people.
Keep in mind that even though these anemones are compatible, there is no guarantee that anemones will host your clownfish.
Contents
Bubble Tip Anemone
The bubble tip anemone is one of the most popular types of anemones in the saltwater aquarium hobby.
It’s relatively easy to find, has an attractive appearance, and is one of the easiest anemones to keep in home aquariums.
Bubble tip anemones require stable water parameters, and you should not add one to a new tank. Ideally, your reef tank should be at least one year old.
You can keep a bubble tip anemone in a smaller tank when it comes to tank size, but if the conditions are right, they will quickly outgrow it.
The bubble tip anemone is compatible with the Ocellaris clownfish, but there is no guarantee they will form a bond.
Overall, the bubble tip anemone is an excellent beginner anemone for everyone willing to venture into the reefing hobby.
Related: Bubble Tip Anemone Acclimation: What You Should Know
Sebae Anemone
The Sebae Anemone is another popular anemone in the saltwater aquarium hobby, but unlike the bubble tip anemone, it requires more experience to be kept alive. It’s not recommended for beginners.
The Sebae anemone requires stable water parameters, a mature tank, and higher lighting for long-term success. It can’t be kept in nano tanks because it gets quite large (12 inches in width).
These anemones host 14 different types of clownfish in the wild. Compared with the bubble tip anemone, the Sebae anemone has a higher chance to form a symbiotic relationship with your clownfish.
Related: What Are the Required Water Parameters for Bubble Tip Anemone
Long Tentacle Anemone
The long tentacle anemone is a large anemone reaching sizes up to 19 inches.
It is relatively easy to find in local fish stores or online, but it’s not recommended for beginners because it requires at least a 100-gallon reef tank.
The long tentacle anemone needs stable water parameters, a mature tank at least one year old, and an appropriate lighting system.
The long tentacle anemone hosts different types of clownfish in captivity, including the Ocellaris clownfish.
Related: How Big Do Bubble Tip Anemones Get
Carpet Anemone
The carpet anemone is one of the most colorful anemones in the saltwater aquarium hobby, making it an excellent centerpiece for every reef tank. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for beginners.
The carpet anemone requires a mature tank, stable water parameters, and a large reef tank ( at least 100 gallons).
The carpet anemone hosts different types of clownfish in captivity, including the Ocellaris clownfish.
Related: What is the Best Placement for Bubble Tip Anemone
Final Thoughts
An anemone makes a great addition to every reef tank. If you want to recreate the natural symbiotic relationship between the sea anemone and the clownfish in your tank, then the anemones listed above are your best bet.
But, you must be careful and follow all the requirements these marine organisms need. If you are a beginner and your tank is less than a year old, the wise thing is to wait.
In the meantime, learn as much as possible about these animals. You won’t regret it because observing the symbiotic relationship between the clownfish and the anemone is one of the most fascinating things in nature.