Who knows why...

[blindsider]

My biology professor didn't know why or how often anemones split, so she left us to find the answer for some extra credit. I've searched online EVERY WHERE and nobody knows a definite answer, but theories are okay too! I need a pretty reliable set of opinions, so whoever has an idea, let me know please
ALSO, is there really even a definite answer? Does this answer differ between the wild and an "at home" tank?

 

[vwwanksta69]

I have heard it has to do with stress. Water quality could be a factor in why an anemone splits. But I am sure there is some sort of research paper that sheds some light on the subject. Not sure exactly why or how often...

 

[skinpuppi]

It is both sides from my experience. If there is an abundance of food or the other side is due to stress to double the chance of it surviving.

 

[bradleym]

As far as why, it is as mentioned above. Stressful conditions will cause a split so that it has twice the chance to survive. Or extremely good conditions will cause reproduction, like with most animals.

As for how often, the healthy conditions can cause a BTA to split as often as every 2-3 months. Or for the pest species Aiptasia, every week or two. Or for the H. Magnifica, it can be as little as every couple years if you're lucky.

 

[davocean]

How often will vary greatly depending on the why, or situation they are in, and not all anemone's split.
BTA's are the most common, and I think it's Mag's that are the other host nem known for splitting, and not real common.
I've read somewhere that to really study them properly you'd have to pretty much camp on each species for many years since they can live 50-100 years or maybe more, some claim indefinitely, and since that hasn't been a real practical or possible thing to do they are still very misunderstood.
Might want to read the nem/clown FAQ sticky for more info on each species, they really vary in basic nature and needs.