Feeding a Green Tip LTE

[HobosReef]

I added a green tip long tentacle anemone to my tank about 10 days ago. After wandering the tank a little bit he got blown by my pump in to a nice little rock pile about halfway up the tank. He has not moved from that spot and seems happy with good color and nicely flowing tentacles. I have tried to feed him a freshly thawed silver side 3 times over the last week with 3 different results. What should I make of this:

Day 1 - Dropped SS on him. He weakly grabbed it, held it for a few minutes, and then let it go. I tried again a little later and he grabbed it, ate it, and burped up the remains in a tidy pouch the next day. I assumed he was stressed from the move but happy he ate.

Day 5 - Dropped SS on him. He freaked out when the fish touched him and somehow withdrew in to a very tight ball in to the rock with the fish. We could barely see him at all. The next day he was out and back to normal but the fish was at the bottom of the tank. I assumed he did not eat because he was not really hungry.

Day 8 - Dropped SS on him. He took it calmly and quickly consumed it without drama and seemed happy. However, the next morning it was on the bottom of the tank. I am hoping he is happy but not hungry but I thought they ate about once per week.

I must say I do have some very happy hermit crabs with all of the leftovers but am concerned about the anemone's eating habits. Any thoughts or recommendations? Also, when should I try and feed him again?

 

[addictedreefer]

LTAs need to be in the sand. They will not be "happy" and will not thrive until they bury their foot. Do not feed until it has done so. Also, do not feed silversides (do a quick search for some of the horror stories). When he is ready, use human-grade raw seafood.

 

[HobosReef]

How often should I feed them?

 

[harryjsinger]

Only when they are HUGE and bubbly. If they look small, they are not looking for food. (Full, or dying)

 

[Irishdolphin]

Tagging along as my new LTA has done the same. It started off in sand but climbed up into rock work overnight and has been in current position for one week - see photo

 

[Irishdolphin]

BUMP - Anybody else have opinions on chances of success with LTA residing in rockwork rather than in sandbed?

 

[HobosReef]

For what it is worth, the display tank of my LFS (which really is a LReefS because it specializes almost 100% in salt water systems) has a LTA that lives in the rocks. When asked about it the owner says he has never had a problem with them living in the rocks.

After 3 weeks in the rocks my LTA seems happy, is feeding well, and is now the home of two very cute cinnamon clowns. My thought is if he did not like the spot, he would move to another spot. Nothing is holding him in place.

- Hobo

 

[Irishdolphin]

Very early days obviously but mine also seems very happy where he is......time will tell!

 

[HobosReef]

I forgot to mention that my LFS guy said they would be happy as long as their foot is in the shade. In my case I think he has it buried back in a hole in the rock pile protected from the lights.

 

[Irishdolphin]

@HobosReef: how is your LTA now?

Mine moved but stayed within the rockwork so I had to move a rock to ensure it was getting sufficient light after its move. Still seems to be ok but expecting it to colour up a bit more now that it is getting more light than before.

 

[daveM100]

Doesn't need to be fed, like many anemones and coral, the long-tentacled anemone hosts symbiotic algae in his tissues. These algae undergo photosynthesis and provide nutrients for the long tentacled anemone. In order for the anemone to survive, the creature needs STRONG LIGHT to support this process.