changing colors

[nathan_unsane]

my white saddle anemone has sections that are purple and brownish, this is how i recieved him. is this a bad sign of his health or is this normal?

any help is very appriciated

 

[Amphiprion]

Well, white is never a good sign when it comes to photosynthetic anemones. It has lost the zooxanthellae (an alga) that support much of its metabolism. Has the anemone settled in yet? What are you feeding it (if you are feeding it)? What are your water parameters, tank setup, and lighting?

 

[nathan_unsane]

the saddle was white when i got him, i'm feeding him krill, i have a 150 watt metal hylide in a 37 gall tank...

he is settled in and my water was perfect when i checked it a week ago when i bought him...

i'm running a xp3 filter, jebo protein skimmer, 55lbs of live rock...

 

[Amphiprion]

How often are you feeding? Lighting is sufficient for Stichodactyla haddoni.

 

[nathan_unsane]

ive only fed him once 2 days ago... the LFS said like once a week

 

[Amphiprion]

For a bleached specimen, I would target at least 3 times a week. You may want to try a fish based food for this species (silversides work well).

 

[nathan_unsane]

i just purchased that today

 

[nathan_unsane]

so there never white?

 

[nathan_unsane]

that would be great if he actually turned the purple-ish looking tint.

 

[Amphiprion]

I don't think you will find too many healthy white specimens in the wild. It may turn that color--you will just have to get it healthier and see what happens.

 

[nathan_unsane]

thanx man... i'll let you know on any changes