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Coral Guide |  |
Family: Stichodactylidae (Anemones)
Habitat: Rocky structures on reef zones, anchored in soft substrate, scattered and associated with clownfish
Light: High Water Flow: High Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Fish, crustaceans
Natural History: The Ritteri Anemone disc grows to about 18 inches in diameter. It normally is zooxanthellate, and photosynthesis is an important part of its nutrition. It will occasionally eat small fish but will flourish in the association with a clownfish. In association with a clownfish the tentacles become fully developed and may produce a leathery texture with adhesive bumps.
Husbandry: This anemone species needs a deep sand bed in which to bury its pedal disk. Its potent nematocysts can penetrate human skin and leave painful welts. It prefers a soft substrate with rock to help it anchor itself. Amphiprion clarkii is one of the many clownfish species reported to associate with this species of anemone. It prefers strong but intermittent water flow.
AKA: Magnificent Anemone