Is my Haddoni Carpet Anemone splitting?

[CarpetSurfer]

Hi all,
So over the last 3 months or so my red carpet anemone has what looks like nearly doubled in size but as of a week or 2 ago is what to me looks like the potential for a split? It used to be very mushroom shaped but now It’s foot is half attached to the bottom of the tank while the other half looks like it’s being pulled on a string through the center of the mouth and obviously looks folded right down the middle. The picture and video with the blue carpet in tank is the current state of the anemone and the other pictures are a progression of the anemone over the last 3-4 months.

 

[officialreefbros]

I have 0 clue but that thing is HUGE and looks so insanely awesome!

 

[CarpetSurfer]

I have 0 clue but that thing is HUGE and looks so insanely awesome!

Thank you. Honestly I didn’t realize how big it’s gotten in such a short time until I looked at the photos side by side

 

[D-Nak]

I don't think haddoni have ever split in captivity (but I like to say in this hobby, there definitely is a first for everything). That said, I don't see any signs of splitting--with other anemone species, typically you'll see the foot form a number 8 shape, then it splits bilaterally.

What I think may be happening is that it's not truly happy in your tank since there isn't a deep sand bed for it to dig into and feel "comfortable." I wouldn't be surprised if you said that your haddoni were constantly moving around. When they have a deep sand bed (ideally 4"+) they tend to flatten out more and stay put.

I've heard of people keeping haddoni in a bare-bottom tank for an extended period of time, but like I said, they won't truly be happy and you may find them wandering around your tank.

 

[CarpetSurfer]

I don't think haddoni have ever split in captivity (but I like to say in this hobby, there definitely is a first for everything). That said, I don't see any signs of splitting--with other anemone species, typically you'll see the foot form a number 8 shape, then it splits bilaterally.

What I think may be happening is that it's not truly happy in your tank since there isn't a deep sand bed for it to dig into and feel "comfortable." I wouldn't be surprised if you said that your haddoni were constantly moving around. When they have a deep sand bed (ideally 4"+) they tend to flatten out more and stay put.

I've heard of people keeping haddoni in a bare-bottom tank for an extended period of time, but like I said, they won't truly be happy and you may find them wandering around your tank.

good point. I always assumed it was happy due to the rate of growth but maybe now that it’s gotten so big it may need some extra support. Will try adding some sand tomorrow and see how it goes

 

[Hot2na]

Very nice...I have one that is getting close to that size ..started off as 6" dia now 12-14..

 

[Gumbies R Us]

That anemone has gotten massive in just 3-4 months!

 

[CarpetSurfer]

Honestly I didn’t even realize until I was making this post and looked at the photos side by side. And was like oh crap this thing is like 2x the size . I don’t even feed the thing which is the crazy part lol

That anemone has gotten massive in just 3-4 months!

 

[CarpetSurfer]

Took quite a bit of time and was worried it was starting to go downhill because it wouldn’t settle but the red carpet has finally found its spot and it looks magnificent I must say. it’s probably 22” wide now. I can’t believe it’s grown this much in 6 months with no feedings will it ever stop??

 

[CarpetSurfer]

If you’re here then you like anemones so here’s something else cool people might appreciate. I finally got a gig through cipro and all healthy enough to put in my tank. The gig was originally at the top of this rock but has moved down and is actually touching my haddoni. Very cool to see them coexisting

 

[backbayreef]

Man — I love carpets! These are huge. I had 3 Haddonis and lost one red one when I downgraded tanks.

Keep up the great work!

 

[World Citizen]

Oh boy, these things are seriously big. I was thinking mine was big compared to what I have seen at friends.... but this one is AmAzInG!

I would love more talk and foto's about it.


Thanks for the share.

 

[Rocks reef]

If you’re here then you like anemones so here’s something else cool people might appreciate. I finally got a gig through cipro and all healthy enough to put in my tank. The gig was originally at the top of this rock but has moved down and is actually touching my haddoni. Very cool to see them coexisting

Gigas prefer a deep sand bed to bury their foot, so that makes sense that it moved off the rock. Haddonis also prefer the sandbed, whereas the magnifica prefer rock.

 

[Rocks reef]

I don't think haddoni have ever split in captivity (but I like to say in this hobby, there definitely is a first for everything). That said, I don't see any signs of splitting--with other anemone species, typically you'll see the foot form a number 8 shape, then it splits bilaterally.

What I think may be happening is that it's not truly happy in your tank since there isn't a deep sand bed for it to dig into and feel "comfortable." I wouldn't be surprised if you said that your haddoni were constantly moving around. When they have a deep sand bed (ideally 4"+) they tend to flatten out more and stay put.

I've heard of people keeping haddoni in a bare-bottom tank for an extended period of time, but like I said, they won't truly be happy and you may find them wandering around your tank.

Great response sir. As you stated, Haddonis do not naturally split in a reef tank. Haddonis usually reproduce sexually. I am sure there have been times they have reproduced asexually (splitting) however, it hasn't been well documented.