Anemone hiding

creef · Feb 5, 2025

I bought an anemone about 4 weeks ago, when placed in the tank it immediately went into a gap in the rocks and it’s now tucked in so far I can barely see it, I’m just concerned I can’t check it’s health etc and it’s getting no light at all.

Should I try and move it? I can’t get any pictures of it, but it’s white with fairly long tentacles and I’ve found a photo here of one that looks identical.

oliver1812 · Feb 5, 2025

Hi,

All of the anemones I have purchased go through a hiding phase. They have what is called a foot that allows them to move around the reef. This also gives them the freedom to move around, at will, until they find a spot that they love and settle into it. I have also had them settle not a spot for months only to wake up and find them on the other side of the reef.

In short, the nem will settle when it finds a spot that it loves. It may not be the ideal spot that you would prefer but it will be its spot nonetheless.

Most nems are photosynthetic and get most of their nutrition from your lights but you can also supplement their diet with prepared food once they settle in.

I hope this helps!!

BryanM · Feb 5, 2025

People say you can point a powerhead at it and try to force it to move... I did not have luck.

Mine moves all the time.

creef · Feb 5, 2025

oliver1812 said:
Hi,

All of the anemones I have purchased go through a hiding phase. They have what is called a foot that allows them to move around the reef. This also gives them the freedom to move around, at will, until they find a spot that they love and settle into it. I have also had them settle not a spot for months only to wake up and find them on the other side of the reef.

In short, the nem will settle when it finds a spot that it loves. It may not be the ideal spot that you would prefer but it will be its spot nonetheless.

Most nems are photosynthetic and get most of their nutrition from your lights but you can also supplement their diet with prepared food once they settle in.

I hope this helps!!

That’s great help thanks! I’m hoping it decides to find a new spot, it’s just worrying not being able to see it if there’s any problems but it must be pretty happy where it is.

creef · Feb 5, 2025

BryanM said:
People say you can point a powerhead at it and try to force it to move... I did not have luck.

Mine moves all the time.

I heard about this method, ice cubes also! I’ll give it some time and hopefully it will start moving.

oliver1812 · Feb 5, 2025

creef said:
That’s great help thanks! I’m hoping it decides to find a new spot, it’s just worrying not being able to see it if there’s any problems but it must be pretty happy where it is.

I wouldn't worry too much just yet. I am sure it will move when its ready.
Just keep an eye on it to ensure that it doesn't end up in your powerhead. Some reefers have experience this and report that the shredded nem remains decimates their reef system. If you are worried that may happen, there are various nem guards for sale and they help to protect your pet from the powerhead.

Uncle99 · Feb 5, 2025

Was it always white?
I don’t see white much unless bleached.
What type is that? Sabae?

Tahoe61 · Feb 5, 2025

What type of Anemone? LTA, Sebae...

creef · Feb 6, 2025

Uncle99 said:
Was it always white?
I don’t see white much unless bleached.
What type is that? Sabae?

Tahoe61 said:
What type of Anemone? LTA, Sebae...

Yep it was always white. To be honest I bought this anemone about 4 weeks into the tank being set up, the local store said it would be a great addition and knew the tank was young. I no longer go to that store. They just threw the anemone in a bag and I had so little experience at the time I didn’t think to ask of its name (didn’t realise there are so many varieties!). I will try to get a pic to ID it. I’ve had a look at sabae anemones online and the tentacles on mine look longer, thinner, without a coloured tip and a pale pink foot. Thinking it’s possibly LTA.