Bubble-tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
BTA, Rose bubble-tip anemone, Bulb tentacle anemone
Family
Actiniidae
Origin
Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reefs, with the foot wedged in crevices
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Minimum tank
114 litres
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
Moderate to high
Flow
Medium

Care

Entacmaea quadricolor is the bubble-tip anemone (BTA), the most popular host anemone in the hobby. Its tentacles often have swollen, bulb-like tips, though they can look stringy at times. Colour forms include green, brown, rose/red and many named morphs, and aquacultured clones are widely available. It grows to about 30 cm across. Placement: on the rockwork with a crevice for its foot; it will move until it finds a spot it likes. Moderate to high light and medium flow suit it. Cover pump intakes, as wandering anemones can be injured. Water: about 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, dKH 8–12, in an established, well-skimmed tank. Iodine and trace elements help. Too little light or food makes the body swell and the tentacles stringy. Anemones are not CITES-listed. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/rose-bubble-tip-anemone). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic, plus regular feeding with chopped fish, shrimp, worms or other meaty foods.

Breeding

Healthy specimens split by themselves (fission), forming clones. Cutting an anemone in half is possible but risky and best left to experienced keepers.

Compatibility and tank mates

Semi-aggressive: it stings corals and other anemones it touches, and may move around the tank. It hosts many clownfish, including tomato, maroon, clarkii and, often, ocellaris clowns. Handle with gloves.

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

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