Choosing Healthy Carpet Anemones?

[WaffleWalffle22]

I'm going to buy a small carpet anemone for my tank. I have the appropriate lighting and flow for one, so I'm not worried about any of that. I'm wanting to know what to look for in a carpet that will tell me if it's healthy or not. More specific questions...

1. What should the mouth look like? Pictures?
2. How long/short should the tentacles be?
3. Should the carpet be firm, or can flimsy/floppy ones be healthy too?
4. Should the carpet be extremely reactive? Like one touch and it smacks closed?
5. What else should I look for?
6. Anything else I should know?

 

[tallreefguy]

Lets see, the mouth should be closed. Not hanging open or gaping. Always ask how long its been in the store for. Carpet Nem's do NOT ship well. I bought a grand one, but it was only in the store for about 3 days, it died about 2 days later in my tank. So did all the others that came in with that one. I'd say make sure it's been at the store for AT LEAST a week, if not longer. If you want to be safe, ask the store to hold it for you for awhile and you can see how it does.

You can ask them to feed it to see a reaction. Accepting food is always good.
It should be sticky to the touch. I'm sure you've read that they're VERY sticky, and it should feel that way too.
Also make sure it looks open and happy. I can't give you much on color, because I'm not that familiar with them.

Good luck! I hope you find a good one! I wouldn't lower your standards on carpets in hopes they improve in your tank. Chances are they won't.

 

[Blitzburggirl]

Great question except for the fact that there are several "carpet" anemone species, with varying needs and characteristics. "Appropriate" lighting and flow for a haddoni isn't the same as would be required for a gigantea, not to even mention the tapetum anemones.


Do you have one in type in mind?

 

[BonsaiNut]

Great question except for the fact that there are several "carpet" anemone species, with varying needs and characteristics. "Appropriate" lighting and flow for a haddoni isn't the same as would be required for a gigantea, not to even mention the tapetum anemones.


Do you have one in type in mind?

+1 it all depends on the carpet anemone species.