accidental ritteri?

[dantodd]

OK, I thought I was buying a BTA (that's what the lfs told me) it was attached underneath a rock and I couldn't tell for sure if it was BTA without bubbles or a ritteri. The base has no verrucae as far as I can tell. The base is a plain tan/brown.

I know that BTA prefer their feet to be under or between rocks and I thought ritteri prefered to put their feet on top of the rock. He was on a pretty rough looking rock along with another similar anemone. I had them peel the other anemone off and sell me the rock with the undisturbed anemone as I figured that would guarantee that his foot wouldn't get ripped. after acclimating him he went into the tank and I placed the rock in with him on the bottom so the he would be in the same position as he was in the LFS.

One reason I was looking for BTA is that the ballast is not lighting the iwasaki very well on that side of the tank and they are a little better in the lower light.

The tank's been up and doing well for a few years. The clarkii and LTA on the other side of the tank are quite happy. Another reason I wanted a BTA is that they aren't as prone to chemical warfare. Though it does look like he might be good at xenia control!

So, is this a ritteri or a non-bubble BTA?

If ritteri what special husbandry should I give it? Took a lancefish and ate it withing 3 hours of being in the tank.

 

[Amphiprion]

This is where ID gets difficult. My first guess would be a BTA. But, as you may be aware, these animals can "bend" the rules a bit. Both species can and often do things contrary to what they are "supposed" to do. Watch it more for any further behavioral characteristics and hope that that can settle it.

 

[dantodd]

once he comes out far enough to get a good shot of his full oral disk it might be easier. He was about 8"+ across at the LFS.

 

[dantodd]

Here are a couple more shots. The color is actually much closer to the first pic I posted above than these. I have the tank near a window and it makes it tough to get good shots during the day. Sure does keep the microalgae happy though

 

[phender]

I am pretty sure you have a BTA there.

 

[dantodd]

Good to know. Much better chances of keeping him alive that way.

 

[Flighty]

I also think it is a very healthy looking bta. Neet color too.