Magnifica 'Balling' Behaviour

[ca1ore]

So I have been keeping Magnifica anemones for most of the last 15 years (when I've had a tank). When you see these anemones in the wild, you often see them taking on a 'vase' shape, with the column extend up and just a tuft of tentacles sticking out of the top. I had never seen any of my captive Mags do this ...... until yesterday! My initial thought was that it had eaten one of my fish, but all are accounted for. Any thoughts as to why now? Have folks seen this behavior in your tanks? I'm taking the positive outlook and assuming this is a sign of happiness.

Should have taken a photo :headwalls:

 

[Reefvette]

Balling

Balling

Balling is def a good sign of health.

When did it ball up? Night or Day

DId you feed

My thoughts on this are that since they live in usually high flow areas. The balling is a way to expel waste without deflating completely. I have never really seen a mag expel waste like a bta where they shrink down and look like shart.

 

[ca1ore]

Balling is def a good sign of health.

When did it ball up? Night or Day

DId you feed

My thoughts on this are that since they live in usually high flow areas. The balling is a way to expel waste without deflating completely. I have never really seen a mag expel waste like a bta where they shrink down and look like shart.

Did it mid-afternoon. No signs of any deflation. I don't target feed this beast, so anything it gets is form fish feeding.

 

[Reefvette]

I believe because of the high traffic zones magnificas live in they get alot of their food from the water coloumn.

I think balling could also be a way for magnificas to clean their tentacles of food particles.

 

[Ron Popeil]

mine tend to ball up at the same time every day, around 3 to 4 pm. spontaneously and without feeding. i have had others in the past which would never ball up and instead just lay flat and as extended as possible...

 

[jwoyshnar]

Mine does it every day also

 

[maxxII]

Mine do it infrequently. I think its neat to see.
It is a normal healthy behavior in H.magnifica in my experience.

 

[maxxII]

Double post.

ETA pic of my brown based H.magnifica anemone, semi balled up:

I don't have any pictures of the purple based one all balled up.

 

[Winwood]

This type of behavior along with the differentiating base and tentacle colors is what makes magnifica my favorite hosting anemone. Here's an old photo that I've always liked.

 

[jwoyshnar]

Here is mine today

 

[Ron Popeil]

i like it too!

 

[worm5406]

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Mine will ball up about every night around an hour after the light dims down.

 

[maxxII]

How long ago did your H.magnifica split?

 

[radiata]

Mine will ball up about every night around an hour after the light dims down.

Thanks... Kind of makes you wonder about an anemone's Biological Clock...

 

[worm5406]

How long ago did your H.magnifica split?

That is how I received it. I have always looked at the coloration on it. I have never had it split personally.

 

[garygb]

Mine ball up right after the lights go off.

 

[maxxII]

That is how I received it. I have always looked at the coloration on it. I have never had it split personally.

That "scar" appears to be from a split.
The brown based H.magnifica I posted a picture of earlier split in Dec 2012- Jan 2013 for me ,(after being in my care for almost 7 years).
Both clones bear a very similar "scar" that travels the entire length of the body.
It's darkened up alot, but is still visible if you look.

 

[worm5406]

Hummm.. I will have to take a look at it again and take some pictures too.

Maybe I will maco the coloration and see what it looks like, If it has not moved/spun around.

 

[deangelr]

This type of behavior along with the differentiating base and tentacle colors is what makes magnifica my favorite hosting anemone. Here's an old photo that I've always liked.

Where's the 'like' button when you need it!