multicolor gigantea

[Gary Majchrzak]

update

update

my gigantea was transferred to another (identical) aquarium two weeks ago.
Contrary to what a lot of people are saying this species DOES NOT require a deep sand bed (or any type of sandbed for that matter).

 

[BonsaiNut]

my gigantea was transferred to another (identical) aquarium two weeks ago.
Contrary to what a lot of people are saying this species DOES NOT require a deep sand bed (or any type of sandbed for that matter).

I agree with Gary. Unlike S. haddoni, S. gigantea appears to prefer a location on top of or amidst rocks.

 

[BonsaiNut]

Here is a picture of my little blue gigantea, that I took just now, somewhat bleached and only about 5 inches across. I am seeing similar darkness in the column. IMO, these are not eggs due to the size, thus imaturity, of the anemone.

I do not see any eggs in this photo. Within the mesenteries you can always see body tissues that are more or less translucent. However the eggs are very recognizable as tiny black dots that are grouped within the mesenteries. They are very easy to see once you know what to look for - and almost impossible to miss with strong backlighting.

If you think you see eggs, they probably aren't. If you know you see eggs, they probably are

 

[MarinaP]

With H. crispa and E. quadricolor, larvae can settle out and start to develop arms as soon as 10 days after spawning, if conditions are optimal. E. quadricolor is a little faster because the eggs are larger and the larvae are also larger.

I think quads are reproducing through internal brooding in my tank. I find really tiny nems from time to time, and they are not splits. They grow quite fast. Considering that there are maybe 50 BTAs in this system, it seems quite possible.

 

[MarinaP]

I agree with Gary. Unlike S. haddoni, S. gigantea appears to prefer a location on top of or amidst rocks.

Same in my experience

 

[delphinus]

Same in my experience

FWIW, mine too.

 

[dalilgriffith]

I think quads are reproducing through internal brooding in my tank. I find really tiny nems from time to time, and they are not splits. They grow quite fast. Considering that there are maybe 50 BTAs in this system, it seems quite possible.

I think i just crapped my pants....


I would love to see one of those "Here's about 300 juveniles in my display tank" pictures... To see all those clownfish running around in that many anemones... WOW.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

journey to the top of the stack

journey to the top of the stack

collateral damage. ouch.

 

[SDguy]

Any ideas why it moved, Gary?

 

[greech]

I'm speechless. Ridiculously well done. Congrats.

Sorry about the coral damage.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

thanks. Corals were fragged so none were lost.

Any ideas why it moved, Gary?

during transfer between tanks it let go of it's anchor (rock) and latched onto the main reef structure in my aquarium.

It's been uphill ever since. The anemone appears to desire as much lighting, water flow and food that it can get.

 

[SDguy]

So what are your plans? Just let it have that half of the tank?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I'm hoping the structure of my liverock combined with some carefully placed sharp corals (now skeletons!) will keep this gigantea from wandering towards the center of my aquarium.

It's amazing how it's foot and column can navigate through (and perch on) the most uncomfortably sharp coral skeletons.

I would describe this gigantea's behavior (to move upwards) very similar to Heteractis magnifica

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

fwiw dept:

fwiw dept:

this anemone has been far more detrimental to my corals than my Emperor Angelfish.

 

[marc price]

this anemone has been far more detrimental to my corals than my Emperor Angelfish.

Thats something i didn't know, surprising too considering how benign to corals it's congener S. haddoni has been ime. Now i'm wondering how destructive to sps S. mertensii can be.

 

[OrionN]

Gary,
Does this anemone spawned yet? If not it may be a female. My male spawn every 4 weeks or so if I feed him well. I am looking for a female and see if I can raise some babies.
Also as a experienced Gigantea keeper, I would love to have your comment on this thread:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1904903

The anemone in question under my care for 7 months and was keep by another reefer for an unknow periord of time. When I bought it, I was sure that it is a Haddoni but now I am not at all certain. i think it is a hybrid between a Gigantea and Haddoni. Thanks

Here are two pictures from theother thread:

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Hi, Minh!

Hi, Minh!

I hope all is well over there.

I commented in the thread in your link:

I refrained from commenting in this thread when I first saw it because I don't know what to make of this anemone.
It's difficult to look at a pic on the internet and make a judgement call.
I've / we've seen many species of fish (and possibly corals) cross breed.

One thing is for sure:
the more we know... the more we realize how much we don't know.

I believe my gigantea has spawned in my aquarium (perhaps more than once) but I didn't actually witness the event or get any pictures. In any case, it hasn't spawned regularly (like every four weeks) but then again.... I don't feed it regularly.

 

[Greg 45]

Gary no expert , how old is the m/h .
Maybe color shifted in bulb.
My gig did the same thing a bulb burnt out today while I was at work , now leaning toward brighter bulb.
LOL

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Gary no expert , how old is the m/h .
Maybe color shifted in bulb.
My gig did the same thing a bulb burnt out today while I was at work , now leaning toward brighter bulb.
LOL

you might be referring to why my anemone has travelled (upwards) on the rock stack?

If so- good point because I usually run halides way past (prime) lifespan
but
I don't think lighting is the only reason my anemone is moving around.

IMO/IME certain anemones (such as H. magnifica) will clear out a zone around them by killing everything and I believe that's what I've been witnessing my gigantea do. It's relocating to a better spot. Prime water flow and better lighting. Better spot too catch food, too.

It's amazing how "smart" brainless animals can be.

 

[Greg 45]

Gary I had spare 10k bulbs at the house to put in to replace the 400 watt 20k radiums.
The gig went back to a bunched up towl , it seems to look happy.
Yes I was refering to it traveling .
They do love light , seems the more the better.
Hope I helped but I still will always respect your advice.
Some day I would like to come up and see your tank in person .
Greg