Beaded sea anemone (Heteractis aurora) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
Beaded anemone, Aurora anemone
Family
Stichodactylidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific and Red Sea; sandy and rubbly areas of lagoons and reef flats
Water
saltwater
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Care level
expert
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
High
Flow
Medium

Care

A clownfish-hosting anemone whose tentacles are ringed with bead-like swellings, often in paler bands, so they look like strings of beads. Usually grey, brown or greenish. It buries its column in sand with only the oral disc and tentacles showing. Neither LiveAquaria nor Top Shelf Aquatics lists this species; the figures are general guidance for the genus, not from a source. The figures follow LiveAquaria's sebae anemone (Heteractis crispa), a close relative in the same genus. Placement: bottom of the tank, with a deep sand bed (about 10 cm) beside rock so it can anchor its foot. Light and flow: high light and medium flow. Water: a mature, very stable tank is essential. Iodine and trace elements are part of normal care. Like its relative, it is hard to acclimatise and is suited only to experienced keepers. A large, deflated anemone that will not reattach or has a gaping mouth is in trouble. Size: LiveAquaria lists a 30-gallon (about 115-litre) minimum for its relative; a larger, mature tank is safer. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/sebae-anemone). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic (zooxanthellae) but needs feeding. Offer small pieces of fish, shrimp, mussel or clam about once a week, placed on the tentacles.

Breeding

Not propagated in captivity, and it does not split like bubble-tip anemones. Never cut an anemone.

Compatibility and tank mates

Anemones walk around until they find a spot they like, and can sting corals on the way or get pulled into pump intakes. Cover all intakes and powerheads with foam or guards, and do not keep it with corals you value unless there is plenty of room. It hosts several clownfish in the wild, especially Clark's clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii); captive-bred clowns may take a while to accept it.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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