White or Bleached?

[carraig]

I bought this at the LFS and it's really beautiful. Looks healthy in the sense that it bubbles nicely and is really sticky. When I started searching around though I can't find any white BTA that isn't bleached. I specifically asked at the LFS and they said it wasn't bleached, but that it was a different type.

So... I present the pictures to the jury.

<img src="http://www.tcfexotics.com/forumpics/3-22-08/p1010378.jpg">

<img src="http://www.tcfexotics.com/forumpics/3-22-08/p1010379.jpg">


<img src="http://www.tcfexotics.com/forumpics/3-22-08/p1010380.jpg">


<img src="http://www.tcfexotics.com/forumpics/3-22-08/p1010382.jpg">


<img src="http://www.tcfexotics.com/forumpics/3-22-08/p1010383.jpg">

What do you think?

 

[dalilgriffith]

A BTA is not really naturally whitish like that. Id have to say that its bleached, up the feeding regimen, balance the diet and you have a 50% chance of having a happy anemone in a few weeks.

 

[carraig]

If it turns out to be bleached I'm gonna return it. I already have a GBTA and don't need another one. I bought it specifically for it's color.

 

[dalilgriffith]

is the foot secure, is it eating?

 

[carraig]

foot is secure, and it's eating

 

[dalilgriffith]

What is your LFS? See if it gets a bit darker. Can you snap another shot of it after feeding it. Maybe tomorrow. The Zoo-whatever (thats technical) need to be replaced. You could have a lighter colored BTA which would be cool. If that is the case, prepare your light for a wild ride. Traditionally, White anemones have a problem living in captivity. Keep us posted.


I wanna see that snapshot of that nem either now or in the morning.

Reply in PM

 

[carraig]

nevermind, it dropped the food before it was able to make it to his mouth, so thus far not eating.

 

[carraig]

The LFS had two of them and they were identical in color and apparent health.

 

[dalilgriffith]

I'd call them tomorrow and tell that you were told this thing was special type. What exactly did they mean by this?

"Oh yeah, this is one of those rare BTA that dies automatically in a week!"

Last time i checked, Time-Released Death BTAs are not for sale at my LFS. ....

Ok, one more jab at their stupidity...

Is it special because its rare, so rare because they only live long enough to survive the 5-day guarantee and then crap out.

 

[Arati]

If you look at all bleached types of anemone they will all loook the same, almost yellow.

Thats how this looks to me.

I hope its not and it splits and I get a lil clone from ya

 

[Toddrtrex]

Bleached, no question about it.

 

[Denver aquarist]

Please explain bleached???......

 

[Toddrtrex]

Bleached is when the anemone ( in this case, can happen to other inverts too ) loses must if not all of its internal zoax algae.

Simple version, zoax algae lives inside the anemone near the surface, they photosynthesize, the extra "food" that is generated is used by the anemone as food. When an anemone is under stress -- from poor water conditions, lack of light, and/or too much light, high/low temps --- they expel the internal algae.

 

[Denver aquarist]

Oh thanks!

 

[carraig]

What if it isn't a BTA? Possibly a Pink Tip Anemone (Condy?)

 

[dalilgriffith]

Its a BTA for sure, the bubbles on the tips give it away

 

[carraig]

Overnight one of my clowns hosted it so no way it could be a Condy.

 

[Toddrtrex]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12156719#post12156719 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by carraig
What if it isn't a BTA? Possibly a Pink Tip Anemone (Condy?)

Even though it is a BTA..... Wouldn't matter what type of anemone it is, bleaching happens to all of them. For all practical purposes, there are no hosting anemones that color.

 

[Dragonlady]

Anemones "bleaching" is a common reaction to shipping stress or being submerged in artificial dye. If the anemone eats without regurgitation, and has sufficient light, it can gradually regain its zooanthellae. If I remember correctly, Dr. Ron did an experiment on bleached BTA's.

 

[Toddrtrex]

They can and will regain it, if given the right conditions.

Granted this is an LTA, but.....

When I first got it,

2 months later,