Shrinkage of bulb anemone

[Bolivar]

The subject says it all!

We have a beautiful bulb anemone. It seems to be doing well in our 40 gallon tank, however, it does shrink every now and then. When this happens, it worries us that something is wrong but apparently not? I am just curious as to what and why it does this?

 

[oscarinw]

It is reported that BTAs will shrink in cycles. Some believe it's part of the digestive process. However some very healthy ones never seem to do this. Does this happen after feedings?

 

[Bolivar]

No... It seems to do it randomly. It is a bright and vibrant color, looks healthy, eats when it should.... Like for instance, it was out all day and I just now checked on it, it has shrunk up all the way. That is why we can't figure out or pinpoint what is causing it to do this. I tried looking online, only found one website about it and it states the same as you said. We fed it maybe 3 hours ago.

 

[oscarinw]

Good luck. Let us know if there are any developments.

 

[thebluecatapilla]

I have the same issue, its the anemone in my avatar pic. I got it and it was super healthy for 2 weeks, but the last 2 weeks its been shriveled for most of the day puffing up only at afternoon and night, I hope its just a cycle.

 

[Bolivar]

It must be a cycle. However, it did move to a different spot yesterday and hasn't shrunk since from what i've noticed. Only when it eats.

 

[RMS18]

That's what mine did for about a month before it died. I believe as long as the mouth isn't gaping open your okay.

 

[Aussie paul]

Mine does the same but mainly when my clown fish start annoying it

 

[Bolivar]

It had moved to the other side of the rock and does not shrink anymore or as much. However, our other anemone (purple long tentacle) does it still and is losing it's vibrancy. [emoji53] We think it is because our cleaner shrimp is constantly bothering it. When the anemone moves, so does the shrimp.