My new bubble tip split in three...

[GobyGuy1313]

About two weeks ago I purchased a new rather large GBT and placed it into my tank. Immediately my maroon clown became obsessed with it and they became paired and all seemed good until about 4-5 days ago. The GBT spread out along the bottom of a rock where he had been, but within 2 days it became 3 different pieces. Two of the larger pieces are still located on the same rock where it originally was located (one is still facing the front of the tank, and the other is facing the rear of the tank). The third piece floated to a calm area of the tank and seems to have attached itself back to a rock. My concern is that I have read several threads on here regarding either the split being a good thing, or maybe a bad thing because the anemone is stressed? Does anyone have any feedback for me? At this point all three pieces seem to be okay. They all have some tips that look perfect and then some of them that look like they are on the mend. Should I be feeding them extra? Do I need to worry about their location? Thanks.

 

[ssavader]

GobyGuy, first, don't worry because its already happened and there is little you can do- or could have done. Second, it is unusual to have an anemone split like this, especially when you mention one "piece" floated away, so this is a little worrisome. As far as the splitting being a sign of good health or a sign of an unhappy nem or environment, this is sometimes difficult to tell. My BTA has split about 10 times- some I gave away and some I traded at the LFS for credit. Could I suggest that you use these quidelines: If your BTA splits and the Mother nem stays put, heals, expands, and continues to grow, the split is natural and likely due to good health- the daughter nems will likely move away, find a happy place, and expand and grow. If the Mother nem is failing to expand, and/or wandering all over the tank, and splitting, it is likely due to unhealthy conditions or a sick nem. In my experience, after a healthy split, both the Mother and Daughter Nem look equally healthy, not "taxed" and sick looking.