Month Old Sebae Still Very White

[squiddly]

Greetings oh fellow anemone lovers. I was told that my Sebae may have been bleached, and that I should feed him often, and keep a close eye on him until his color changes back to "natural." Now, I've seen anemones in the wild that look just like this one, and I don't think that they were bleached. However, I am worried still. Last thing I would want to do is hurt a critter by my action or inaction. Anyway, he seems to be fine, tentacles sticky, puts up a good fight with the skunk shrimp who try to steal his pieces of silverside, and seems to be anchored well. However, he still looks like this:

Should I be worried? Thanks!

 

[BonsaiNut]

Yes your anemone is bleached. Yes, he can certainly color back up and be healthy and happy for years. I have had several "white" sebaes like this over the years that have turned brown on me after a while. It can take months, but be prepared when he starts to have light blotchy brown spots on him - it isn't a disease, it's his zooxanthellae

 

[BonsaiNut]

By the way, I consider this type of sebae H. malu. However there is some confusion about how to differentiate between H. crispa and H. malu on these boards (and possibly even with biologists) so I always fall back on the - short tentacles (for years) H. malu, longer tentacles (especially when in a healthy environment) H. crispa.

 

[raoul]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8382601#post8382601 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BonsaiNut
By the way, I consider this type of sebae H. malu. However there is some confusion about how to differentiate between H. crispa and H. malu on these boards (and possibly even with biologists) so I always fall back on the - short tentacles (for years) H. malu, longer tentacles (especially when in a healthy environment) H. crispa.

Unfortunately, tentacle length at this point may not be the best way to ID. I have one that started out like this, but as it grew healthier (it took a few months to regain color) the tentacles got longer and skinnier. What used to be a white, small, stubby tentacled anemone is now a larger, beige, long and slender tentacled nem.

I think with the behavior you've described, you've got a great shot - just be patient and it will color up for you.

Good luck!

 

[squiddly]

Thanks! It and my other anemones decided to take a tour around the tank today... checked it out and phosphates were up. Hopefully some nice phosban will handle that. Hope hope.

 

[FLricordia]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8393213#post8393213 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by squiddly
Thanks! It and my other anemones decided to take a tour around the tank today... checked it out and phosphates were up. Hopefully some nice phosban will handle that. Hope hope.

Don't know if you ae interested, but I have been using Fostersmith phospure pads since 20cube start up and have not had any readable phosphates or diatom problems and corals are growing like crazy. Started tank 1st of Aug06. I don't use a skimmer and do water changes 2-3 weeks.

 

[squiddly]

Oh yeah! Seriously interested. I'll have to try that. I just threw some Phosban in there. Let's see how it goes. Its always something.