Rock Flower Anemone stretching

[elwaine]

Just got this red Rock Flower anemone several hours ago. Unlike my other one (green), the new one is stretching upwards like a zoanthid seeking light. Is this normal behavior?

 

[oldbones]

I have three together in one corner of the tank. One of the three stretches like that for a bit almost every day. He's also the fastest growing of the three, and is definitely looking much better than when I bought it.

 

[elwaine]

Thanks, oldbones. That's reassuring!

 

[Bent]

I've witnessed this behavior with mine while he was new. My theory is that the lighting from where he came was stronger than the lighting where he currently is. So they stretch to get more light untill their zooxanthelle is able to multiply enough to where they can relax a bit.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

That makes sense to me. Never thought about that.

 

[elwaine]

I've witnessed this behavior with mine while he was new. My theory is that the lighting from where he came was stronger than the lighting where he currently is. So they stretch to get more light untill their zooxanthelle is able to multiply enough to where they can relax a bit.

Interesting theory... except that Rock Flower Anemones, unlike Zoanthids (which stretch for the reason you mention), are quite mobile and if they are unhappy with their local environment, they'll move to a new spot in the aquarium; i.e., they will climb higher up the rock scape to gain more light.

 

[akida]

I've witnessed this behavior with mine while he was new. My theory is that the lighting from where he came was stronger than the lighting where he currently is. So they stretch to get more light untill their zooxanthelle is able to multiply enough to where they can relax a bit.

I disagree. I have anemones stretching and zoas that do it from time to time in very high lighting, my 250w DE MH with 4 24w ATI T5 bulbs. I think they just do want they want and that's that. I'm sure there are times where something causes it but I wouldn't be concerned about it. Now, if all your livestock is stretching than that indicates something is wrong.

 

[elwaine]

I have anemones stretching and zoas that do it from time to time in very high lighting, my 250w DE MH with 4 24w ATI T5 bulbs.

Thanks, akida.

I think they just do want they want and that's that.

I'll just have to have a heart to heart talk with that nem!

Now, if all your livestock is stretching than that indicates something is wrong.

:lmao:

 

[Bent]

I disagree. I have anemones stretching and zoas that do it from time to time in very high lighting, my 250w DE MH with 4 24w ATI T5 bulbs. I think they just do want they want and that's that. I'm sure there are times where something causes it but I wouldn't be concerned about it. Now, if all your livestock is stretching than that indicates something is wrong.

I got nothing then.

 

[elwaine]

Crazy behavior
Tonight I found the new red Rock Flower all puffed up and on the move. Shots below were taken with a flash.

View from the back:

View from the front:

Another view from the front:

What will it look like tomorrow???

 

[elwaine]

It has found a new home... on the glass, about 1/2 way up the tank. Maybe it was an issue with the tank's lighting, compared to the environment it was kept in when st the on-line store.

 

[elwaine]

Puckering RFA:

The above sequence repeats itself many times in a day. Any RFA fans in this forum see this behavior?

 

[elwaine]

Quick follow up: The RFA shown in the above photos is now an ex-RFA. After many days of gyrating, turning itself inside out, and moving about the tank, it died.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Oh no, That's a shame, I just can't figure them out. I just got a maxi- mini carpet and put it in my tank after letting it aclimate. It looked real good but where it went, no one knows, so frustrating....

 

[akida]

rock flower anemones and mini maxi carpets are almost impossible to kill lol. Maybe you got a sick one but I've chopped up mini maxi by accident and they just healed and I had 2.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Well I am going to get another one soon and try it. I have one that I cut in half and it has just about healed up and is staying in place so far. But the other half died after 3 or 4 days. I guess I didn't get enough of the mouth on that half. I will try again though.

 

[oldbones]

I have read that Rock Flower Nem's cannot be propagated by cutting, is that not the case?

 

[RGS2]

I have read that Rock Flower Nem's cannot be propagated by cutting, is that not the case?

They can be propagated by simply cutting them in halves or quarters as long as there is a portion of a mouth in each piece. Requires confidence and a very sharp razor blade. Google it for videos.