GSM pulverized little BTA

[coppertop]

We added two small (1 1/2 inches diameter) Bta's to our 55gal about 2 weeks ago..they looked great after a couple of days.

Problem #1
Then, about a week later, we added a pair of GSM's. The larger of the two jumped right in the btas, and by the 2nd day the bta's were shrivelled and by the third they looked like they do in the pic. I gave them another couple of days, with no change..then moved them to a 30 gal with 2 small false percs where they wouldnt get harassed. Still no sign of opening...but they did move off their rock and hid in the crevices they are now perched.

Question #1

Are the BTA dead or dying? If not, is there anything I can do to help them along?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=932559&id=553690820&l=466f5

Problem #2
We have an unidentified anemone in the 55gal which is now being pummelled by the GSM. It's not as extended as it used to be and just looks unhealthy and not happy.

Question #2
Can you id the anemone in the pic?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=932567&l=bd31c&id=553690820

Anemone prior to meeting GSM

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=825218&l=627c5&id=622401417

Question #3
I can purchase either a BTA approx 4 inches diameter or a LTA approx 9 inches diameter from my LFS to serve as host for the GSM. Which do you think would serve the purpose best??
I've read that GSM's arent picky when it comes to anemones..and it's quite obvious with the ones I have. I know bta is the preferred for maroons, but would the bigger size of the LTA be a smarter choice?

Thanks

 

[gberry]

The rule of thumb as I know it is that the host anemone should be 2-3 times the size of your clownfish. Maroon clowns tend to be quite rough on anemones so I would probably lean towards the larger. That said, the 9 inch LTA would probably stand the best chance of surviving the "tender minstrations" of your maroon. Also, the maroon will most likely occupy any and all anemones in it's tank, my pair occupy a BTA and LTA, splitting time between them, so putting a larger, more suitable anemone in the tank won't necessarily save a smaller sized specimen from being 'loved to pieces' by your GSM.

 

[garygb]

The anemone in the pics is Condylactis.

 

[coppertop]

Thanks for the input...and the anemone ID!
I've got the LTA on hold at a LFS. Hopefully pick it up tomorrow.

Any idea if the small BTa's will come around? They dont appear to be disintegrating/decomposing...but they're not opening.