Long tentacle anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis) care guide

Group
Corals
Other names
LTA, Corkscrew anemone, Sand anemone
Family
Actiniidae
Origin
Western Pacific, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and northern Australia; sandy lagoons and reef flats
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
dKH 8–12
Minimum tank
115 litres
Care level
intermediate
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
Moderate
Flow
Medium

Care

A sand-dwelling host anemone with long, often twisted tentacles that are fewer and more widely spaced than on a sebae anemone, so the oral disc is usually visible. The column is usually orange to red; the disc and tentacles are purple, tan, grey or black, and some specimens are bright purple or green. Placement: bottom of the tank. LiveAquaria recommends about 10 cm of sand or rubble so it can bury its foot; it retracts into the sand when disturbed. Light and flow: moderate light and medium flow. Water: LiveAquaria rates it moderate. Iodine and trace elements help. It needs a mature, stable tank. Size: up to about 50 cm across (LiveAquaria lists 20 inches); LiveAquaria gives a 30-gallon (about 115-litre) minimum tank, but larger is better. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/long-tentacle-anemone). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Photosynthetic, plus small pieces of fish, mussel, shrimp or frozen foods once or twice a week, as LiveAquaria suggests.

Breeding

Rarely reproduces in captivity and is not propagated by cutting.

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 clownfish; LiveAquaria lists pink skunk (Amphiprion perideraion) and Clark's clownfish (A. clarkii) as usual partners.

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

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