do anemones have to be fed
- Thread starter baldomero
- Start date
CxLxYxDxEx
New member
I feed mine krill, mysis shrimp, today's feeding had squid in it. I know it got some. Twice a week for me. It's been in my tank 58 days now and has shown nothing but good signs.
They typically don't need to be spot fed, but silversides should be avoided. Since they aren't human food, they aren't held to the same safety standards and there have been quite a few cases where a bad silverside killed a previously healthy anemone.
I occasionally squirt thawed mysid toward mine and it also gets whatever pellet food that drifts onto it.
I occasionally squirt thawed mysid toward mine and it also gets whatever pellet food that drifts onto it.
KorD
New member
I feed mine every other week if I remember. Due to them having photosynthesis abilities (hosting algae inside and eating their waste). I have seen greater improvement in size since I have not fed my nem. I first got it in september at a whooping 2 inch oral disc, and it is around 10 inches oral disc right now... Just a side not... I do feed coral food (reef chili) once a week and limpets frozen fish food every three days.
Personally I think they really do not need to be fed because of their symbiotic relationship with clownfish and the algae they host.
Personally I think they really do not need to be fed because of their symbiotic relationship with clownfish and the algae they host.
addictedreefer
New member
IMO it depends on the species. While some of the less potent anemones do fine with whatever they catch out of the water column (i.e., BTAs, mags, etc.), I beleive the true "killers" (i.e., carpets) need to be fed occasionally for optimal health. IME, when I go more than 2-3 weeks without feeding my gigs and haddonis, they start to shrink a bit and overall look less "happy." They perk right back up the day after feeding and always look their best for 2-3 days post-feeding. They have such sticky tentacles for a reason!
3FordFamily
In Memoriam
I feed my rbta literally never. I have 6.
They photosynthesize as well! I had a magnifica grow from about 12" to about 24" in just under 18 months and I never intentionally fed it. Clowns fed it, however, and some incidental drift-by. Had to rehome it. My current mag is growing nicely as well (and is showing signs maybe of an impending split?).
Just look at how much of their body is dedicated to food capture and digestion...all those tentacles and a rather large gastric cavity 
By all means feed them, bits of shrimp and fish are excellent. While they might survive without feeding, they will thrive with feeding 
By all means feed them, bits of shrimp and fish are excellent. While they might survive without feeding, they will thrive with feeding KAMIKAZE0214
New member
Some need to be fed. I currently have two that are losing tentacles because they aren't getting enough food. I thought the clowns in them were feeding them. Turns out they were just stealing food.
Anyone have tips for feeding anemone's on the underside of rocks? Can't get anemone to eat.
Fish lover
Member
I fed my one to two time a week , krill and squid. Just place the food near tentacle and it will take it away from you
OrionN
Moved on
They will grow much quicker if you feed them. So if you are happy with their size don't feed them, If you want a bigger anemone then feed them.
Don't feed them smelly food. Smelly means spoiled. This can kill them. I only feed my anemone seafood from groceries that meant for human consumption. Many years ago I saw a LFS shipment of silverside that came in unfrozen. The staff just put it in the freezer to sale them. I never buy silverside after that.
Don't feed them smelly food. Smelly means spoiled. This can kill them. I only feed my anemone seafood from groceries that meant for human consumption. Many years ago I saw a LFS shipment of silverside that came in unfrozen. The staff just put it in the freezer to sale them. I never buy silverside after that.
