Anemone
They resemble corals but lack the hard outer calcium skeleton. Like corals many species have zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) in their tissues.
The long tentacles are equipped with stinging cells that paralyze prey. Anemones required excellent water conditions, moderate to strong current and intense lighting. A minimum light intensity of 10,000 lux is indispensable for them to survive and grow.
Although they prefer good water movement, they should be kept away from filter, intakes, air stones and areas of strong water currents. Ample water movement assists in providing high dissolved oxygen concentrations as well as helps in dislodging the mucus that anemones naturally secrete.
Sea anemones attached to the substrate by an organ called a basal disk. This disk enables the animals to creep along the bottom until they find an area in which they will reside. For this reason a small amount of gravel or sand should be provided. Once the sea anemone is attached to either a rock or glass, it is best not to remove it unless absolutely necessary, as it is possible to damage the basal disk.
Feeding these animals is not difficult and should be done once or twice per week or more often if the anemone appears to shrink or the tentacles appear to wither. Small pieces of fish or shrimp should be placed directly on the tentacles.
Never buy an anemone that shows the slightest outward sign of injury, such as a tear or puncture, because this may lead to a fatal bacterial infection.
If the anemone begins to shrivel or change color, it could indicate that the animal is dying. Dead Sea anemones can quickly pollute an aquarium, killing other invertebrates and fish. If you suspect hat the anemone is dying, do not risk leaving it on your main aquarium; place it in a quarantine tank for observation.
Source: Copyright 2002 The Coral Reef Alliance. All rights reserved. The Saltwater Aquarium Handbook. Author: George Blasiola. Copyright 2000, 1991 by Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Coral Reef: Although corals are often mistaken for rocks or plants, they are actually composed of tiny, fragile animals called polyps. A polyp is a spineless animal. Polyps can be the size of a pinhead while others are larger, sometimes a foot in diameter. One coral branch is covered by thousands of these animals.
Tomato Clownfish. Coming from the Pacific Ocean this species can become very aggressive with age, however if you can buy a match pair, at the same time, they will often live together in harmony. It can be an excellent choice for the beginner since is very hardy and can live without an anemone.
Maroon Clownfish. Do not move the Maroon Clownfish with a net as its cheekspines will become entangled. Use a specimen container if capture is necessary.
Clarkii Clownfish. The Clarkii Clownfish is one of the most hardy, and therefore, one of the most common clownfish in home aquariums. A 30 gallon or larger aquarium containing an anemone of any type is desirable. It is semi-aggressive towards other clownfish and passive tank mates.
True Percula Clownfish. It can be found individually, or more commonly, in pairs or small groups within the same anemone such as Heteractis magnifica or Stichodactyla mertensii.