Difference between BTA/Malu/LTA/Magnificent

[JaimeAdams]

I am sure that there has to be a resource available that can teach us the differences between these species of anemones. Who knows where I/we can find the resources to properly identify the differences between these species.
#reefsquad @Amoo @OrionN @Wiz

 

[Maritimer]

Good question . . .

I've done enough boppin' around to pretty much recognize BTA / LTA / Mag when I see them in a LFS, but don't have a "go-to" for them ... or the other species of Heteractis.

~Bruce

 

[Wiz]

I tried to find out about a nem I picked up. I believe it to be a rare color of octopus anemone. But when I started to speak to people who study nems I was told they are only identified by genetics. They are to much alike to Id by looks. But that aside, I recognise most aquarium species now as ive been visiting 6+ pet stores/ craigslist weekly for 10 years with some exeption as well as frequenting 3 forums and attending/hosting local swaps. I've seen most things. I am pretty familiar with the species I've kept. But that is more experience than research.
I find that there is a tremendous amount of misleading/contradicting/wrong info out there. It is hard to know what is right and wrong. What is strict and what can be flexible. And what different behaviors/traits may exist within different individuals of the same species. I honestly believe that finding fellow hobbiests that have kept a given type and compiling similiar experiences is probably the best way. Learning stranger things about one would be interesting too.
I just started a thread to find people who might have my nem. It is so strange. I would love to share experience.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/octopus-nem-owners-unite.342281/

 

[JaimeAdams]

You know, I've also been around for a minute like you fine folks. I'm the president of the local aquarium club, I work 6-7 days a week at a coral store, visit retailers/wholesalers, get transshipped boxes sent blah blah blah. The thing is even importing anemones with all of the documents and paper work there are identical anemones with different scientific nomenclature on the document sometimes in the same box even. I'm fairly good at identify the hobby species of anemones, but there has to be some dissertation, journal articles, book, something that the scientific community uses to assign species identification to an organism. I understand that with advances in technology that genetic analysis can be done on any number of organisms, but at some point prior to that the scientific body had to have gotten together and created a set of DNA/RNA samples to base any future samples against. Those originating samples had to have come from organisms that were classified by Linneaus taxonomy. At this point it more seems like the anemone in question is whatever the most of us say that it is short of genetic testing.

Wiz - I did read through your thread on that gnarly anemone.

 

[Wiz]

This one is ok


Anemones, Sea Anemones and Tube Anemones, Actiniaria and Ceriantharia, Types of Sea Anemones and Tube Anemone With Sea Anemone Pictures
http://animal-world.com/Aquarium-Coral-Reefs/Anemones-Tube-and-Sea-Anemones