Blue Carpet Anemone

[rmoyer001]

Ever since i saw that freaking picture of the blue carpet that won this month I have been hunting one. Its beautiful. Anyone have any suggestions. Anyone have any precautions (ie are they dangerous?)

[dandy7200]

They are dangerous. They require expert care. They require pristine water conditions, lighting and water movement. They eat fish. They get HUGE. Good to see you are researching before buying an extremely difficult animal to care for. If you want more information I can point you in the right direction.

[davelin315]

Dan's understating how predatory they are. Carpet anemones are awesome, but they do get very large, they are incredibly aggressive, and not only do they eat fish, but they also eat other anemones and inverts. Talk about effective nematocysts, they can really sting just about anything and pull it in. I had one before and it wasn't the best of tank mates and so I got rid of it. Like I said, they are awesome, but make sure that you have enough space for it.

[keeperofthefish]

Send a PM to OUSnakeByte (spelling?) on this. He has a gorgeous one in his tank. They are dangerous and love to eat your fish--not to mention they'll close on a human and give you a heck of a rash. But yes, goregous and can be kept with the right precautions and setup.

[extreme_tooth_decay]

In the last 6 months I've seen a really nice blue one at That Fish Place ($400 maybe?, I

don't remember, but it was super expensive)

 

I've also seen a nice one at Roozens in the last 6 months. I expect his is cheaper,

but you need to buy it soon after it comes in or his crap water will doom it.

Larry can tell you what day of the week is good to call to ask if he's got one in.

 

BTW: I've tried to keep a green one 2 times and failed both times. I think its past my

skill level. I now have an RBTA that is doing well, that's satisfied my anemone craving,

is less dangerous, and is easier to care for.

 

tim

Edited February 11, 2007 by extreme_tooth_decay

[OUsnakebyte]

Yup, that's mine in the pic. And, after having it for ~6 or 7 years, it has eaten at least three fish (one yellow tang, two butterflys), one green brittlestar, and a ricordea that fell into it. I don't put anything very expensive fish-wise in there - too afraid it will become an expensive meal. Also, it takes up a ton of real estate - look out for whatever corals are growing near it.

 

I have considered giving it up several times. Ideally they need a species-only setup. That is what I plan on setting up for it once I am done with apartment living (something running from the main display). The anemone itself is not suffering, but it's the other tank inhabitants I worry about.

 

Cheers

Mike