Rock flower anemones are just like any other anemone, they move when they need to. They are just more adaptable to less ideal areas than other kinds, giving them a reputation for not moving. Their favorite places are deep holes in the rock or the sand near the base of the rock work/glass. The stuff coming out of their mouths appears to be poop. RFAs are very hardy, even putting most corals to shame. They look fine otherwise, so don't worry about them. Congratulations on the new RFAs, they are addicting.
+1 this is spot on.
Hey all! Yesterday i bought a rock flower anemone.. I was told at the lfs that they dont move as much as others, well the one i bought has prettt much moved a good amount and is now wedge between the live rocks, i plan on leaving it there unitl it decides to come out but then i went to check up on it and i noticed its releasing some sort of black thread looking stuff. Not sure what it is, haven't seen anything like it... Should i be worried??
Anything helps! Thank you
Nice rock flower! A good looking pinstripe for sure!
Yours is moving a lot because he’s only been in the tank a short time. Once he finds a spot that he likes, they generally like to stay put for a long, long time barring any other changes to the tank lighting/flow/etc. that would make it move again.
Unlike the highly mobile, angry death machine bubble tip anemones, RFAs have a pretty weak sting. So even if they do move, there is little reason to worry about them blazing a trail of death on their journey to a new spot like you do with other types of nems.
Your nem was pooping, and from the pics, looks to be nicely footed. Just please be sure not to try and move it yourself. You can damage their foot easily. After having RFAs for decades, the only things I’ve seen kill these tough little guys are broken feet, freezing temps, and peppermint shrimp.
Feed it meaty foods about once a week, they are able to pack on some good size in the first year and a half in my experience. Otherwise they are slow growers.
Oh, and make sure you get your new RFA about 4 or 5 more flower friends so they can start making some baby flowers :)
