Carpet Anemone (Gigantea)

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The Carpet Anemone lives singly on the reef or soft bottoms in the Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea. Attaining diameters up to 2-1/2 feet, this colorful Anemone has short tentacles and a potent sting. These anemones serve as a “host” for many types of Clownfish including Amphiprion ocellaris, A. percula, or Dascyllus trimaculatus. In exchange, the Clownfish will provide the carnivorous anemone with “crumbs” of food that make up a large part of its diet.
The Carpet Anemone requires a tank with strong lighting and good water movement. The aquarium should provide a variety of sandy and rocky locations. The Carpet Anemone may prefer one more than the other, and will move about the tank until it finds the location of its choice. It has a potent sting and may harm corals and other anemones as it moves about the aquarium. It is not compatible with other Anemones within a 12″ diameter, so monitor it when it is first introduced into the tank. The addition of a clownfish to the aquarium will immediately help with acclimation. When healthy, it will be very sticky. If it is able to grasp something (or someone), it is very difficult to convince it to let go without damaging it.

It is also one of the few anemones that can cause a severe reaction in humans, so keeping one requires care in handling.

Once acclimated, it should be fed a diet of fish, shrimp, and other meaty foods.