H. Magnifica vs LTA

[aklee987]

What is the best way to tell the difference between a Mag and a LTA? I know the LTAs can have red bases sometimes.....just for future reference when I go into a store...

 

[sh0ck]

mag tentacles are in lines from center to edge.
LTA is more random towards mid.

 

[aklee987]

Thanks. Anything other ways or definite differences?

 

[Pinkskunk]

Mags have shorter tentacles, around 1-2" and the legnth are usually all the same and the tentacles are straight and more densed (lots of tentacles).

LTA means just that, long tentacles, usually much longer than 2". some are even curly.

both species can have red bases.

 

[garygb]

The column is the best way to differentiate host anemones, LTA have distinct white spots (verrucae) on the column, magnifica doesn't. Also, magnifica lives on top of rocks, LTAs bury their foot in the sand. The column on an LTA is not uniform in color, toward the tentacles, it is the same color as the oral disk, the reddish or orangish base is toward the foot. On magnficas the color of the column can vary, but generally is uniform, also, the variation in color doesn't tend to be the top of the column as different than the top, but if there is color variation it is more marbled throughout the column.