Not furry either, still lovely.
Bubble Tip Anemone
Entacmaea quadricolor
Also called Bubble-tip anemone, Bulb-tentacle sea anemone, BTA, Rose bubble tip anemone (red colour form)
A semi-aggressive anemone in aquarium terms: it stings what it touches, so give it space from corals.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Length | 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)123 |
| Coat | Soft-bodied anemone with bulb-tipped tentacles |
| Origin | Tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Micronesia and Melanesia, and from Australia to Japan.12 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
A semi-aggressive anemone in aquarium terms: it stings what it touches, so give it space from corals. It usually settles in a rocky crevice and stays put once happy.23
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bubble Tip Anemone. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Looks how to spot one
Soft-bodied anemone with bulb-tipped tentacles
A sea anemone with a sticky foot that anchors deep in a crack in the rock. Its tentacles often swell into rounded bulbs near the tip, which gives the species its name; animals in deeper or dimmer water tend to have longer, thinner tentacles instead.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Mostly stationary once it has found a crevice it likes.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs strong lighting for its symbiotic algae, a stable and mature tank (many keepers wait at least 6 months), and occasional small meaty feedings. Cover pump intakes and give it open room to expand.13
Home where they are happiest
A reef tank of at least about 115 L (30 US gal) with live rock crevices. Retail guidance: 24-28 C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.024-1.026, moderate flow and high-intensity light for 8-12 hours a day.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Gets most of its energy from light through zooxanthellae living in its tissue, and also catches plankton and small meaty foods such as shrimp or fish pieces with its tentacles.13
Company who they like around
Hosts many kinds of clownfish, especially Clark's, tomato and maroon clownfish. In the wild shallow animals often form clone groups, while deeper ones live alone.12
The story where it all began
Described from the Red Sea in 1828. It hosts more clownfish species than almost any other anemone, and captive-propagated clones in many colours have made it the best-known host anemone in the reef hobby.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It hosts about 14 kinds of clownfish, roughly half of all anemonefish species.1
- 2
Its larvae can drift in the plankton for up to 59 days before settling.1
- 3
The puffy bubble tips are most common in shallow, brightly lit water.1
- 4
Shallow-water animals often live in crowded clone groups, while deep-water ones are larger loners.2
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Described by Leuckart in Rüppell & Leuckart, 1828; family Actiniidae.1
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bubble Tip Anemone?
Your anemone gets most of its energy from light, so only occasional small meaty feedings are needed. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding depends on the species, as many feed from light and water. Offer a piece of shrimp or fish once or twice a week, adjusting based on its response.13 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Bubble Tip Anemone eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats plankton and small meaty foods like shrimp or fish pieces, plus gets energy from light. What it should never eat varies; ask your exotic-pet vet for specific foods to avoid.13
How much space does a Bubble Tip Anemone need?
A reef tank of at least 115 litres (30 US gallons) with live rock crevices is recommended. Give it plenty of open room to expand without touching corals or other anemones.3
What temperature, light or water does a Bubble Tip Anemone need?
Keep water at 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.024-1.026, with moderate flow and high-intensity light for 8-12 hours daily. A mature, stable tank is essential for its health.3
How often should I clean a Bubble Tip Anemone's home?
Pet Wiki's plan recommends a 10-20% water change every two weeks, daily top-ups with fresh RO water, and weekly water tests and salinity checks. Also check lights monthly and cover pump intakes.3 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Bubble Tip Anemone live with others?
It can host clownfish like Clark's, tomato, or maroon, but keep it away from corals as it stings. In the wild, shallow ones may form clone groups, while deeper ones live alone.12
How long does a Bubble Tip Anemone live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment; ask your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder for a typical range.
Can I handle a Bubble Tip Anemone?
Handling is not recommended because its tentacles sting. If you need to move it, consult a vet or experienced keeper for safe methods.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Rock Flower AnemoneWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Entacmaea quadricolor (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for range, size, colours, tentacles, symbionts, diet, reproduction, aquarium notes
- Entacmaea quadricolor (SeaLifeBase) sealifebase.seused for maximum size, depth, habitat, behaviour, range
- Bubble Tip Anemone (Saltwaterfish.com) saltwaterfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, lighting, diet in captivity
- Anemones category (Saltwaterfish.com) saltwaterfish.comused for colour forms offered
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.