Anemone Questions.

[yongpanda]

Do anemones (specifically, either LTAs or BTAs) "need" to be fed?
I was wondering if I could get away without feeding anemones. If so, what are some of the effects that it can have?

In addition, which anemone is better for hosting a clownfish? LTA or BTA?

 

[Ron Reefman]

Do anemones (specifically, either LTAs or BTAs) "need" to be fed?
I was wondering if I could get away without feeding anemones. If so, what are some of the effects that it can have?

In addition, which anemone is better for hosting a clownfish? LTA or BTA?

Some anemones need to be fed and some photosynthetic algae (zoantharia) which means they make some of there own food but still eat as well. I think most, or all, LTA and BTA have zoantharia, so under quality lighting, can make food themselves. But occasional feeding (either on purpose or just by feeding the tank) is beneficial... maybe even required. Some people 'spot' feed them regularly. I have quite a few and I feed mine about once every 2-4 weeks. But I feed the tank pretty well and food does end up getting caught by them. And both my tanks have clownfish that help by taking food to the anemone they live in. You may also find that feeding the anemone can be quite interesting and entertaining.

As for which is better, flip a coin. Different species of clownfish use different species of anemones in nature. In our aquariums most clownfish will work with whatever you offer them. Some even use corals like frogspawn (or others) and some don't use anything. I have a mated pair (female cinnomon clown and male tomato clown) that are in my anemone tank. They have their choice of 7 different species of anemones, including 2 BTA's and a LTA, but they chose to live in a condy which comes from the Caribbean which has never seen a clownfish. There aren't any clownfish in the Caribbean and there aren't any condy anemones other than the Caribbean!

Hope that helps some?

 

[All6Fish]

We ahve 2 clowns from austraila and the host a LR ! we have 2 Atlantic LTA's...wonder why they havent hosted them?

 

[Gig 'em]

I have seen anemones live without being fed before just existing on light, but I always feed my anemones. If they'll accept food and eat it, then they want it/it benefits them.

 

[garygb]

Anemones will grow faster if they are spot fed. As mentioned, host species naturally have a compliment of zooxanthellae, which are symbiotic algae, and the majority of the anemones nutritional needs are supplied by the algae. In a "well-fed" tank, you will likely not need to directly target feed your anemones.

As far as which anemone fish goes to which anemone, you will find that having a natural host will almost ensure the fish takes to the anemone right away. Clarkii are always your best bet, as they go to all the host species of anemone in nature. That said, BTAs host numerous clownfish in the wild, including maroons, cinnamon, tomato, and clarks. And BTAs will often host percs and ocellaris in aquariums.

 

[Waggs]

What are you feeding them?

 

[jeff@zina.com]

Anemones have a mouth for a reason.

Jeff

 

[Ron Reefman]

And tentacles that grab stuff out of the water that we would consider... food?

 

[BigCountry74]

Anemones will grow faster if they are spot fed. As mentioned, host species naturally have a compliment of zooxanthellae, which are symbiotic algae, and the majority of the anemones nutritional needs are supplied by the algae. In a "well-fed" tank, you will likely not need to directly target feed your anemones.

As far as which anemone fish goes to which anemone, you will find that having a natural host will almost ensure the fish takes to the anemone right away. Clarkii are always your best bet, as they go to all the host species of anemone in nature. That said, BTAs host numerous clownfish in the wild, including maroons, cinnamon, tomato, and clarks. And BTAs will often host percs and ocellaris in aquariums.

x2