Will a clownfish host in a Rock Flower Anemone?

No, standard clownfish species very rarely host in Rock Flower Anemones. However, commensal invertebrates like sexy shrimp and porcelain crabs will frequently adopt them as safe havens.

Why is my Rock Flower Anemone moving?

While generally stationary, they will wander if unhappy with their current conditions. This is usually due to inadequate lighting, improper water flow, or poor water quality. Once they find a suitable spot, they will anchor down and stay put.

How do I safely attach or move a Rock Flower Anemone?

Never pull an anemone by its disc. If you must move one, gently tickle its foot or direct a powerhead at its base until it releases. When introducing them, place them near a rock crevice by the sand, and they will naturally attach their foot.

Do I need to feed my Rock Flower Anemone?

While they can survive entirely on light via photosynthesis, target feeding them small meaty foods like mysis shrimp once or twice a week encourages faster growth, better health, and more vibrant colours.

Will a Rock Flower Anemone eat my fish?

It is highly unlikely. They have a relatively weak sting and are not aggressive fish-eaters. They generally only consume slow, sick, or dying fish that blunder directly into their tentacles.

MarineMarineBeginner

Rock Flower Anemone

Phymanthus crucifer

The Rock Flower Anemone is an exceptionally hardy and vividly coloured marine invertebrate, making it a highly desirable addition for both beginner and advanced reef aquarists.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 15 – 25 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 10 – 15 cm
Nano tank: 40 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 50 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Stable rockwork with deep crevices, often bordering a sandy substrate.

About the Rock Flower Anemone

Renowned for their dazzling array of fluorescent colours, Rock Flower Anemones are among the most visually striking invertebrates available to the marine aquarist. Unlike many demanding anemone species, they are remarkably resilient and rarely wander once settled. Their oral discs feature intricate folds and are surrounded by a fringe of short, beaded tentacles, giving them a unique texture. Due to their relatively small footprint and peaceful nature, they are ideal centerpieces for nano aquariums or colourful additions to expansive reef setups.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Rock Flower Anemone comes from

Native range

Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Western Atlantic

Countries / regions

United States, Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, Belize

Habitat

Shallow fore-reefs and rubble zones, often securing their foot in a crevice deep beneath the sand.

Primarily collected from the shallow tropical waters of the Caribbean and Florida.

Similar species

Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone
Stichodactyla tapetum
Beaded Anemone
Heteractis aurora
Condy Anemone
Condylactis gigantea

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Porcelain Anemone Crab
Neopetrolisthes maculatus
Forms a mutually beneficial commensal relationship without harming the anemone.
Great
Sexy Shrimp
Thor amboinensis
These tiny shrimp frequently adopt rock flower anemones as hosts, seeking refuge among their tentacles.
Great
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
While clownfish rarely host in rock flower anemones, they are perfectly safe tankmates that will ignore them.
Great
Peppermint Shrimp
Lysmata wurdemanni
Known to occasionally scavenge aggressively, and may pick at or damage smaller anemones to steal their food.
Compatible with caution
Emperor Angelfish
Pomacanthus imperator
Large angelfish are prone to nipping at the fleshy oral discs and tentacles of anemones.
Not recommended

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