Is my anemone dead?

[Captain Jack]

I got an anemone about 2 weeks ago. It has looked really good. About 3 days ago it started moving towards the back corner of the tank, in a cave, where it is darker. Today it is all squeezed up in a ball and I am wondering if it is dead? I grabbed it with my hand and was going to check it out, but as you can see from one of the photos, it's foot is anchored to the rock. I am afraid if I force it loose, I will kill it--if it is not already dead. He feels firm, but that would make sense since he is all balled up and compressed. I know when things die they can get stiff, so wondering if he is dead, but still holding stiff to the rock? It seems like some shells/rocks are stuck to him too. They do not rub off--kind of weird. I have not fed him yet, but understand that you do not have to feed them, but most people do once a week.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated, as I am new to this hobby and have a lot to learn. Thanks in advance!

 

[Captain Jack]

I'm not sure if that bottom picture is anemone poop? It is like a hairy ball that showed up after getting him?

 

[sc50964]

A decaying anemone would foul the water real quick and you can certainly smell it. Therefore, it's probably not dead yet. You will want to check your water parameters to see if anything is off. If so, that's what's been stressing it out. It could also be just moving around to settle down. It's a good news that it has a firm footing.

 

[Sarah Grace]

My anemones usually shrink up when they are expelling waste, i would leave it be and see if it pulls out of it, the foot being attached is usually a good sign. here is my anemone shrunk, and 10 minutes later here it is back to its normal self.

 

[Ocean Lotion]

When it dies it will release. A dead anemone is the most discusting thing you will encounter and can foul a tank fast.

 

[Maddlesrain]

Your anemone doesn't appear dead, just looks pretty darn unhappy. How are your water parameters? Have you changed anything recently?

 

[johntdaballa]

Best way to figure if it's dead is if it's still attached to a rock or anything. Another way if you can is smell it. You will for sure know from the stinky smell it's a goner

 

[Captain Jack]

This morning he has opened up again, so luckily he is still with me. I ordered some food and am going to try and feed him within a couple days when the food comes. PH is at 8.2; salenity is at 1.026; temperature at 79; calcium is a little high at 500--not sure how to lower that? MG is at like 1500; nitrates about 20-25; I can't remember Alkalinity--I wrote all these down the other day, I'm just going off my memory. I had a small algae bloom before I purchased my cleaning crew, who made quick work of cleaning the tank up! I have a pair of clown fish that haven't even acknowledged my anemone after two weeks now--I wish they would let him host them, I'm guessing they would all be happier if that happened. My pair of clown fish are bonded, maybe I should purchase another individual clown and see if he will pair up with the anemone?

 

[Donnakaye]

I have one I think is really sick or dying,he never stuck on the rock but was open and happy for days ,then we woke up and he was all closed up and has stuff coming out his foot and looks really bad