Anemone.. bleached or just funky?

[dragonette]

I just came across this anemone at my LFS.

Its an LTA that expands fully (nice and poofy) about 5 inches.

the nem is WHITE with blue/green near the tips.
The base/foot is deep orange, normal looking.

Is it healthy and just funky? or is it major bleached!?

I havent gotten it to attach yet, and it hasnt eaten yet but I just got it yesterday..

Opinions please! Should I take it back?

Jess

 

[elegance coral]

Yes, it is bleached. IMO LTA's are pretty hardy, so you may be able to pull it through. Just provide it with a calm area in the sand and try to get it eating as soon as possible.

 

[dragonette]

ok I dug a crater in the sand (I have a 4"+ sandbed) and kind of placed him there.

Is it charecteristic that a bleached anemone still retain the bold coloration of its foot? I mean its foot is nice and opaque orange like it 'should' be.

Hmmm. The LFS I got him from is a reputable store of which I know the owner and I asked several questions about the coloration but they felt strongly that it was healthy..

Jess

 

[elegance coral]

The blue, red, orange, green, purple and other colors are secondary pigments. An anemone can "bleach" by discharging its brown zooxanthellae and still keep much of its secondary pigments.

 

[dragonette]

ok I tried to bury him in the sand but he wont grab onto anything.. nearby rocks etc. He tried to expand to get more light and kind of creep up through the rocks.. but not attaching.

I made a nice spot not too far from the sandbed and carefully wedged him in the rock so he could anchor but have plenty of room to soak up the rays Ill see tomorrow if he is anchored. I posted a pic below so you can see what I mean. The water is cloudy/corals are ****ed because I was trying to dig a hole in the sand and it stirred up some funk. but you get the idea.

I offered him some squid and he grabbed it but didnt advance it to his mouth. I think he is still adjusting, especially that he hasnt found his 'place' yet.

Do you think once he colors up that he will retain the green and blue? its so pretty He seems happy so I think there is hope in saving him.

THanks again
Jess