Tube Anemone Reproduction

PBnJOnWheat · Sep 29, 2020

So I recently did quite a bit of tube anemone research to come up with little to no results. I did find that they are found in the wild to be male and female and reproduce that way. However I have also come to discover some forums containing claims of baby tube anemones within a larger tube anemone. I am curious as to this topic since I have a tube anemone and it appears to be splitting down the middle and have been taking photo evidence since I noticed the strange occurrence.

I will be sure to continuously update this thread on a daily basis as this could be a scientific discovery but what do I know.

Photos are in a reverse timeline, the one below being the most recent to the last which is the oldest photo when I first noticed.

Tell me that’s not two heads, with a crease.

Ron Reefman · Sep 29, 2020

I'm serious into Rock Flower Anemones, but I just bought a tube anemone today at my LFS. And it's the same colors as yours.

I can't say if that is splitting like RBTAs do, or if that's just two heads together?

I'll follow in hopes of learning something! #reefsquad

xxkenny90xx · Sep 29, 2020

Following as well. Man that thing looks awesome

Steph72 · Oct 1, 2020

It does look like it’s trying to split! I don’t know anything about their reproductive habits, but it would be cool to end up with two. I have a nano tube tank, they’re such beautiful creatures!

ichthyogeek · Oct 2, 2020

From the anecdotes, seems like they have a similar sexual reproduction strategy to rock flower anemones. But I see no reason why binary fission isn't possible as a form of asexual reproduction...

Tankkeepers · Oct 2, 2020

Following this as id like to also know for sure iv never heard of them splitting or being able to split but that would be really cool if they could fingers crossed go baby go

Tankkeepers · Oct 2, 2020

On a side note that's a gorgeous tank

reef lover · Oct 2, 2020

Following.

Ron Reefman · Oct 2, 2020

Steph72 said:
It does look like it’s trying to split! I don’t know anything about their reproductive habits, but it would be cool to end up with two. I have a nano tube tank, they’re such beautiful creatures!

Steph72, what a cute little tank! Good job by you!