Smallest Sand Dweller

[Dwarfpufferfish]

I am trying to find out which is the smallest sand dwelling clown host. The tank I would like to put it in is a 65 gallon with 2x175w MH and 2x96w actinics.

I would like a sand dweller that is not likley to move up onto the rocks or glass at all. Let me know if there is such an animal!

Thanks,
Dan

 

[z_rivers]

Macrodactyla doreensis are a sand dwelling anemone. they bury their foot in the sand and will not travel up onto the glass or rockwork. they usually reach a max size of around 15'' in aquariums so if you get one make sure it has some space for it to grow.

 

[Amphiprion]

Usually, the smaller (note "smaller") species of "hosting" anemones are M. doreensis or the long tentacle anemone and Cryptodendrum adhaesivum (which only hosts A. clarkii, though not commonly), which reach relatively equal sizes from what I have seen. Both can be anywhere from 12" up to 20", though usually smaller. So, just like zrivers said, they still get large and need room.

 

[phender]

Every once in a while I see an anemone offered that is sometimes refered to as a "purple mat anemone". I think they are probably H. malu and don't seem to get more than about 6-8" across. If they are H. malu then they would only host clarki clowns in nature, but other clowns would probably accept them in an aquarium.

 

[Amphiprion]

I have seen H. malu to about a foot across (also advertised as "mat anemone", though not purple), so I still think they can get reasonably large. Most, as phender said, are small. In fact, at the LFS I work at, they usually come in at 2-3" tops--though I sincerely doubt any of these smaller ones are maximum sized individuals.