H crispa questions - ID and location

[ezuc]

Trying to get a confirmation on ID and guidance on placement.

Tank is a 54g with Radion30XR LED at 50% intensity. Tank has been up for about 6 months. Nem has been in the tank for a couple of weeks now. Started out in the corner (see pic), then moved to a spot in the middle of the tank, directly under the LED, where it was for a week or so. In the last few days, has moved under a large arch out of direct light.

Should I be concerned or is this just a normal walkabout looking for its happy spot? Any guidance for getting it comfortable, preferably in a spot where I can actually see it?

 

[Winwood]

That anemone is macrodactyla doreensis and is a sand dwelling anemone.

 

[soeminpaing]

H crispa questions - ID and location

That anemone is macrodactyla doreensis and is a sand dwelling anemone.

Agree. Definitely look like a LTA. Usually they like moderate flow, not very strong light and put its foot between rock and sand.

They grow real big. Mine used to be around a foot in diameter.

 

[ezuc]

Thanks! That would explain why its hiding under an arch!

Just out of curiosity, how do you tell the difference?

 

[Winwood]

Thanks! That would explain why its hiding under an arch!

Just out of curiosity, how do you tell the difference?

The orange foot is good indicator but tentacle density is another way to tell them apart. Crispas tend to have much more tentacles in general.

 

[ThRoewer]

The foot shape and color and the verrucae are the best indicators.
Tentacle count is another way but depending on the shape of the anemone it can sometimes be misleading.
Tentacles can be quite variable in shape and size depending on the condition of the anemone and also the environmental influences (flow & light). So tentacle shape and length is only a good indicator with healthy and happy specimen.

 

[ezuc]

Thanks.

What tentacle length and shape indicates healthy? The tentacles look fully extended and fully inflated, assume that is good?

 

[ThRoewer]

With an LTA the tentacles should definitely be long. Sometimes they also curl like corkscrews, though I'm not sure if that is actually health related or more like the bubbles of BTAs.