Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor) are one of the most popular anemones in the marine aquarium hobby, prized for their vibrant colours, unique tentacle tips, and natural symbiosis with clownfish. They bring a striking focal point to reef tanks and, when kept correctly, can thrive for years while providing endless movement and interaction.
Natural Habitat & Appearance
Bubble Tip Anemones are widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, where they attach themselves to crevices in reef rock at varying depths. Their namesake “bubble tips” form at the ends of their tentacles, which can appear inflated and rounded or stretched and stringy depending on conditions.
Colour morphs range from bright green and rose to rarer varieties like rainbow, sunburst, or black widow. Their dynamic movement under current and ability to host clownfish make them one of the most engaging species in the reef.
Placement & Lighting
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Lighting: BTAs demand moderate to strong lighting (PAR 150–250), thriving under reef-grade LEDs or T5/metal halide setups.
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Placement: Secure them in a rocky crevice where their foot can firmly attach. They may move around until they find a spot they prefer, so be prepared for some wandering.
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Tank Maturity: Only add BTAs to systems at least 6–9 months old to ensure water stability.
Flow Requirements
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Moderate, variable flow is best.
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Avoid strong, direct currents that can cause the anemone to retract or detach.
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Too little flow can result in poor expansion and waste build-up.
Water Parameters
Like corals, BTAs require stable conditions to thrive:
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Temperature: 24–26°C
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Salinity: 1.025 SG
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Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
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Calcium: 420–450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
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Nitrates: 5–15 ppm
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Phosphates: 0.03–0.08 ppm
Consistency is key. Fluctuations can cause stress, leading to shrinking, bleaching, or detachment.
Feeding & Nutrition
BTAs host zooxanthellae algae for photosynthesis but also benefit from supplemental feeding.
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Feed 1–2 times weekly with small meaty foods: mysis, krill, chopped prawn, or specialised frozen diets.
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Avoid overfeeding, which can foul water and harm the anemone.
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Healthy BTAs will expand, display vibrant colour, and show strong feeding responses.
Compatibility & Tankmates
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Clownfish: BTAs are the most common natural hosts for many clownfish species, making for a fascinating display.
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Other Corals: Anemones can wander and sting corals they contact, so give them open space.
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Inverts & Fish: Generally safe, though small, slow-moving inverts may occasionally be stung.
Propagation
One of the unique benefits of Bubble Tip Anemones is their ability to propagate through splitting. A healthy, well-fed anemone may divide naturally, creating two viable individuals. Some reefkeepers actively encourage propagation for trade or resale.
Why Keep Bubble Tip Anemones?
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Stunning colour morphs available.
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Fascinating natural symbiosis with clownfish.
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Active movement and behaviour bring a tank to life.
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Propagation potential provides long-term sustainability.
With the right care, Bubble Tip Anemones can become the centrepiece of your reef, offering a dynamic, interactive display that few other species can match. They reward patience, stable husbandry, and proper placement with years of colour, character, and growth.
