Rock flower anemone (Epicystis crucifer) care guide

Group

Corals

Other names

RFA, Rock flower, Caribbean rock flower anemone, Phymanthus crucifer

Family

Phymanthidae

Origin

Caribbean (LiveAquaria), on rock walls and sand

Water

saltwater

Maximum size

20 cm

Temperature

22–26°C

pH

8.1–8.4

Hardness

dKH 8–12

Minimum tank

114 litres

Care level

intermediate

Reef safe

yes

Lighting

Moderate (LiveAquaria)

Flow

Moderate

Care

The rock flower anemone is a compact anemone with a patterned oral disc ringed by short tentacles; LiveAquaria sells green and red forms, and many bright colour grades are traded. LiveAquaria gives a maximum size of about 20 cm. LiveAquaria rates it moderate. It rarely wanders and likes shaded rock walls or the sand bed, where it buries most of its body with only the disc showing, so place it on the bottom. LiveAquaria's minimum tank size is 30 US gallons (about 114 litres). Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.1–8.4 and 22–26 °C, with iodine and trace elements. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/rock-flower-anemone-ultra). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Carnivore: LiveAquaria recommends meaty foods such as mussel, freshly chopped fish and good frozen foods.

Breeding

Not usually propagated by hand; healthy rock flowers sometimes split or spawn in aquariums.

Compatibility and tank mates

Semi-aggressive (LiveAquaria), but it stays put, so it is widely kept in reef tanks. It can catch small fish and shrimp that sit on it. Clownfish do not normally host in it. It can be kept singly or in groups.

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