Bubble Tip Anemone
Entacmaea quadricolor
The best clownfish-hosting anemone for home reefs; needs a mature, stable tank and a pump guard.
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Min. Tank Size | 200 L |
| Temperature | 24.0–27.0 °C |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Max Size | 30.0 cm |
| Lifespan | Very long years |
| Diet | Photosynthetic + carnivore |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive (stings) |
Overview
The Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) is the best clownfish-hosting anemone for home reefs; needs a mature, stable tank and a pump guard.
This guide covers anemone care: the host clownfish it suits, lighting and flow, water chemistry, feeding, safe placement, and the important warnings every anemone keeper needs.
Care Level
Anemones are living animals that need a mature, stable reef - generally at least 6-12 months old - and pristine, steady water. This species is one of the more manageable anemones, but it is still an intermediate-level animal.
Host Clownfish
This is a natural host anemone, and watching a clownfish settle into it is one of the joys of reef-keeping. Tank-bred clownfish may take time to accept it, and a clownfish is not required for the anemone to thrive.
Lighting & Flow
Provide medium to high light and medium flow. Anemones rely heavily on strong light for the algae in their tissue, and need moderate flow to bring food and carry away waste, but not so much that they are battered.
Water Parameters
Keep a stable reef system at 24-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4 and salinity 1.024-1.026 (35 ppt). Hold alkalinity at 8-12 dKH, calcium at 400-450 ppm and magnesium at 1300-1400 ppm, with ammonia and nitrite at zero. Stability matters more than chasing perfect numbers, so test regularly and avoid sudden swings. Anemones are especially intolerant of unstable or polluted water, so only add one to a well-established system.
Feeding
Beyond the energy it gets from light, feed it meaty foods - mysis, chopped prawn or fish - every few days. A well-fed anemone is far more likely to stay put and stay healthy.
Placement & Safety Warnings
Anemones move until they find a spot they like, so let it choose rather than forcing placement. Cover all pump and powerhead intakes with guards - an anemone that wanders into an unguarded pump is shredded, which can crash the whole tank. Keep it away from corals, as it stings and can kill them.
Common Problems
A shrinking, deflating or 'mouth gaping' anemone that detaches and drifts is a sign of poor water or stress - act fast. Never buy a bleached (white) anemone, as it has lost its vital algae and usually slowly starves.
Is the Bubble Tip Anemone Right for Your Reef?
The Bubble Tip Anemone suits experienced keepers with a mature, bright, stable reef and guarded pumps. Get those right and it can live for many years - even decades. See our clownfish guides for the perfect pairing.
How to Tell Males from Females
Not externally sexed. Corals and most reef invertebrates are either colonial, hermaphroditic or spawn broadcast gametes with no visible external difference between individuals.
