Rescue Carpet (?) Anemone ID

cinnamon_lover · Jul 2, 2022

The only saltwater fish store in our area is about to close this week and had mega-sale of this anemone. From Php700 (around $14) down to Php100 (just $2) so why not grab one. PetStore lady said it's a carpet anemone but I'm not sure which specie is it. It's tan in colour overall and has white "pustules" underneath. Tentacles are quite long and none around the mouth (wasn't able to take picture of the mouth because it's too folded). Though I have pictures of it both under normal light and under blue light.

PS. I got it just yesterday so I am assuming it's still adapting to its new environment. I placed it there and never moved/looked for new location.

P-Dub · Jul 2, 2022

What it is I have no idea. Depending on your lighting it will likely color morph into a more IDable critter. Looking forward to updates as time passes.

Karen00 · Jul 2, 2022

I love the white! Was it that color in the store? I'm not a nem expert so have no ideas as to the species but wanted to find out if it was white when you got it.

cinnamon_lover · Jul 2, 2022

Karen00 said:
I love the white! Was it that color in the store? I'm not a nem expert so have no ideas as to the species but wanted to find out if it was white when you got it.

It's already like that when I got it.

cinnamon_lover · Jul 2, 2022

P-Dub said:
What it is I have no idea. Depending on your lighting it will likely color morph into a more IDable critter. Looking forward to updates as time passes.

Alright. Will keep you posted once the critter finally settled in.

Lost in the Sauce · Jul 2, 2022

@Eagle_Steve @F i s h y

Uncle99 · Jul 2, 2022

Stichodactyla helianthus?
Looks bleached somewhat.

cinnamon_lover · Jul 2, 2022

Looks like it. Is there a way to make its color back?

Uncle99 said:
Stichodactyla helianthus?
Looks bleached somewhat.

P-Dub · Jul 3, 2022

cinnamon_lover said:
Looks like it. Is there a way to make its color back?

Time and proper lighting.

cinnamon_lover · Jul 3, 2022

Looks like it. Is there a way to make its color

Uncle99 said:
Stichodactyla helianthus?
Looks bleached somewhat.

P-Dub said:
Time and proper lighting.

I have proper lightning and stable water parameters so I guess things should be okay in time

Uncle99 · Jul 3, 2022

cinnamon_lover said:
Looks like it. Is there a way to make its color

I have proper lightning and stable water parameters so I guess things should be okay in time

Bleaching is a stress event.
Hit and miss recovery

Eagle_Steve · Jul 3, 2022

Lost in the Sauce said:
@Eagle_Steve @F i s h y

It does look like a sun anemone aka Stichodactyla helianthus.

Looks a little bleached, but they are usually lighter colored anyways. One reason not typically seen in the trade. They are also very hardy and typically recover very well in a stable tank with good lights. IMO, they are a very easy nem to keep.