Sebae Anemone / Leathery Sea Anemone
Radianthus crispa
A renowned host anemone with long, flowing tentacles and a leathery column. It requires intense lighting, strong flow, and pristine water stability.
Temperatura da água
22 - 26 °C
Valor de pH
8.1 - 8.4
Tipo de água
Marinho
Tipo invertebrado
Anemone
Tamanho adulto
30 cm
Grupo mínimo
>= 1
KH
8 - 12 dKH
Papel ecológico
Symbiont
Sensibilidade ao cobre
High
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widely distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East African coast to French Polynesia. It colonizes shallow sandy reef flats, tidal pools, and outer slopes exposed to intense sunlight.
Taxonomy: Belongs to the Anthozoa class, order Actiniaria, family Stichodactylidae. Commonly known as the Sebae Anemone. It is distinguished by its tough, leathery column covered in adhesive verrucae used to anchor itself into the sand.
Social Behavior: Sessile organism, though capable of moving slowly to find optimal lighting and flow. It hosts symbiotic zooxanthellae within its tissues and forms mutualistic relationships with various anemonefish and porcelain crabs.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Long, tapered tentacles colored white, gray, violet, or green, often tipped with bright purple or pink. There is no visible sexual dimorphism; reproduction occurs either sexually via spawning or asexually through division.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Tank Setup: Requires a mature marine aquarium (established for at least 6-12 months) of at least 250 liters (65 gallons). A deep sand bed of fine sand (8-10 cm / 3-4 inches) is essential for pedal disk anchorage, surrounded by stable live rocks.
Diet and Feeding: Derives most of its energy from the photosynthesis of its zooxanthellae under high-output lighting. It is essential to supplement weekly with small pieces of fresh meaty food like shrimp, mysis, or chopped fish placed directly on the tentacles.
Water Quality: Keep parameters pristine and highly stable: temperature 24-26°C (75-79°F), pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025. Nitrate and phosphate levels must be near zero, with balanced calcium and magnesium. Extremely sensitive to copper.
Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent host for clownfish species like Amphiprion clarkii or Amphiprion latezonatus. Exercise caution with nearby corals, as its stinging tentacles can severely damage them if the anemone decides to migrate.
Aquarium Breeding: Sexual reproduction via gamete release is very rare in captivity. Asexual division (fission) can occur under stable conditions and proper feeding, but it is a slow, delicate process that should not be forced.
Risks and Diseases: High risk of bleaching (loss of zooxanthellae) due to thermal stress or inadequate lighting. Anemones can get sucked into unprotected powerheads, which usually results in the death of the animal and a toxic crash of the entire aquarium.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Widely distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East African coast to French Polynesia. It colonizes shallow sandy reef flats, tidal pools, and outer slopes exposed to intense sunlight.
Origem
Oceanos tropicais e recifesÁfrica e Madagascar
Perfil de invertebrados
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- The diet of Radianthus crispa typically consists of organic detritus, microalgae, or specific planktonic particles. In a home aquarium, they constantly forage along the substrate or rockwork looking for nourishment. Supplemental feeding with specialized invertebrate pellets or liquid foods may be necessary. Ensuring a varied and nutritious diet will promote vibrant colors and long-term health. Overfeeding should be avoided to maintain optimal water quality.
- Papel ecológico
- Symbiont
- In the wild, Radianthus crispa plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of its native ecosystem. They often act as natural cleaners, breaking down waste materials and unconsumed food. Their constant movement helps aerate the sand bed and prevent the buildup of toxic gases. By managing algae growth, they create space for slow-growing corals and sponges to thrive. A balanced aquarium ecosystem relies heavily on their diligent cleaning efforts.
- Tamanho adulto
- 30 cm
- Risco de salto
- No
- Sensibilidade ao choque
- High
- This invertebrate is highly sensitive to rapid fluctuations in water parameters. Sudden changes in temperature, salinity, or pH can cause severe osmotic shock and death. A slow and careful acclimation process, preferably drip acclimation, is absolutely necessary. Maintain stable aquarium conditions through regular monitoring and automated top-offs. Avoid performing excessively large water changes at once.
- Cálcio e minerais
- Low
- Proper calcium levels are absolutely vital for the structural integrity and growth of this species. They continuously extract calcium carbonate from the water to build their shells, skeletons, or protective tubes. Maintaining calcium levels between 400 and 450 ppm ensures they remain healthy. It is also important to balance alkalinity and magnesium alongside calcium supplementation. Regular testing is required in heavily stocked reef aquariums.
- Muda
- Yes
- If applicable to its morphology, this invertebrate undergoes periodic molting to facilitate growth. During the molting process, the organism becomes extremely vulnerable to predation and stress. It is crucial to provide ample hiding spaces, such as caves or crevices, where they can retreat safely. Do not remove the discarded exoskeleton, as they often consume it to quickly replenish essential minerals. Disturbing them during this delicate phase can lead to fatal complications.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Reproduction in the home aquarium is often challenging and rare for many invertebrate species. Most require highly specific environmental triggers, such as temperature shifts or lunar cycles. The resulting larvae usually have a prolonged planktonic stage, making them difficult to rear. Specialized food sources like phytoplankton are needed to sustain the offspring. Consequently, most specimens available in the hobby are wild-caught or professionally aquacultured.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Not reef safe
- Compatibility varies largely based on the specific species and tank mates. They are generally peaceful but can fall prey to aggressive or predatory fish. Ensure they are housed with calm tank mates that will not nip or harass them. Research individual species requirements to avoid territorial disputes. Always monitor new additions carefully to ensure harmonious interactions.
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