Marine (Mediterranean) Anemones
Marine (Mediterranean) Anemones
Written by Wednesday, 28 August 2002 00:00
This is one of the large Mediterranean anemones which may reach a disk size of 30 cm or more. It is usually found at depths of 3-12 meters although it has been found in depths greater than 80 meters or in extremely shallow waters in tide pools which have a constant supply of sea water. The small sample in the photo was collected at a depth of less than 20 cm while there was a huge specimen (disk size larger than 20 cm) close to it. They live singly on the sandy bottom where they hide most of their body leaving their flower like tubercles over the sand. This anemone doesn’t need a rocky support to attach to although it will happily do so if a deep enough sand bed is not handy. In the context of the aquarium the anemone will need a 10 cm depth of sand to bury in or will alternatively use any rock or even the glass surfaces to attach to. As with the other two anemone species I keep it will move around the tank very often. The tubercles have a brownish to bluish colour (especially towards the edge) with white tips. It will happily accept mussel particles, frozen fish, shrimp and squid. Should be fed every 4-5 days a small quantity in order to be kept in prime shape. After eating its body will become far more elongated and will stay that way for a day or two before gradually shortening to the “resting” size. Due to its large size it needs a tank of at least 100 cm length – although I doubt if my 4 cm specimen will ever reach this size. A cold water species should be kept at temperatures between 18-24oC. As always, since salt water can “keep” less dissolved oxygen it is better to opt for the lower range (18-22oC).
This anemone could well be Cribrinopsis crasa (thick-tentacle anemone) which has many things in common with C. aurantiaca. One of the main difference between the two species is the depth at which they are found. Thus, while C. aurantiaca is found at depths of 3-12 meters, the C. crassa is only found at depths of 30-50 meters. The collection point of the anemone in my tank (barely 30 cm) supports the opinion it is a C. aurantiaca. Positive identification of species collected by me is quite difficult since information is very limited and often contradicting, while photos are not always available in the books. In the bottom photo you can see the details of the animal’s foot as it attached on the glass just below the surface of the sand. Collected in April 2002.
After six months in the tank the anemone grew considerably (last photo, second row above). It is not fed at all but it catches parts of the chopped shrimps and mussels fed to the fishes. The diameter of the disk is now 8 cm but the tentacles have reached 12 cm in length while the white stripes running along their long axis (a characteristic of this species) are now visible. When fully extended, there are very few things that can escape them. The rapid growth of the tentacles may be due to the fact that for the last couple of months the anemone had to fight for its food. Lengthy tentacles are the most effective way to get it. What's more, the sight of it with all the tentacles extended is an absolute delight.
In a rockpool, measuring less than 50x50cm and less than 30 cm deep, a tomato anemone is resting next to snails. (on the right, first row above). You can see most of the tentacles retracted while it has already taken the spherical shape which is usual when it feels threatened. Use a spoon and gentle moves to detach it from the rock it is attached to. Once detached, take a small cup or pot and put it in to transfer it to the bigger bucket. Once the cover is in place the anemone will immediately unfold most of its tentacles. The Mediterranean species is found in two colors the brownish red / red shown here and the green. There is also a "stawberry" type which is only found in greater depths. It is better collected underwater and removed with the stone on which it is attached unless you can use a round knife or spoon to remove it carefully without damaging its body. It can be found either alone or in groups and it is rather insensitive to temperature and salinity values - although a temperature of 16-20 is preferred. It can even stand short dry out periods. In the aquarium it needs a slight illumination and is better not placed under the light source or very close to the surface. A shaded place is much preferred. This particular species grows to a diameter of 7 cm and has 192 tentacles. Can be fed mussels and fish meals which it will readily accept. To be fed once or twice per week small quantities. This animal opens mainly at night. A magnificent animal and a nice addition to any Mediterranean tank.
Read article on Starting a marine (Mediterranean) tank.
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