Heteractis malu is a sand-dwelling anemone with short to medium tentacles, often with coloured tips. It is green, pink, red or tan and can reach about 50 cm across. It is less common than the sebae anemone and is sometimes sold as a malu sebae. Placement: on a deep sand bed, where it buries its foot. Give it both sandy and rocky spots to choose from. It should not be placed on rock. Light and flow: strong lighting and moderate flow. Water and supplements: calcium, magnesium, strontium, iodine and trace elements. It is delicate, easily damaged and hard to acclimatise, so it is for experienced keepers only, but hardy once settled. LiveAquaria gives a minimum tank of 30 US gallons (about 114 litres). Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/malu-seabae-anemone). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic, but needs meaty foods such as fish, clam or shrimp about once a week.
Breeding
Rarely reproduces in aquariums; not practical to propagate.
Compatibility and tank mates
Aggressive: its sting harms corals, and it may move, so it needs caution in a reef. Cover pump intakes. It hosts Clark's clownfish in the wild.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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