Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific
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
expert
Reef safe
with_caution
Lighting
High
Flow
Moderate
Care
Heteractis crispa is a clownfish-hosting anemone with a leathery column and many long, tapering tentacles, often tan to brown with purple, pink or lilac tips. The disc can reach about 50 cm across. Avoid bleached white or dyed specimens, which seldom survive. Place it low in the tank where it can choose a spot: it likes to attach its foot in rock crevices with sand nearby. LiveAquaria lists it as difficult, needing high light, medium flow, bottom placement and at least a 115-litre (30 US gallon) tank. Cover pump intakes, as anemones can wander into them. Water: LiveAquaria gives dKH 8–12, pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.020–1.025 and 22–26 °C, with iodine and trace elements. It needs a mature, stable reef. Not CITES-listed. Sources: LiveAquaria (liveaquaria.com/products/sebae-anemone). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Photosynthetic, but it needs regular meaty foods. LiveAquaria suggests fish, worms, clams and shrimp about once a week once it has settled.
Breeding
It does not split in aquariums and is not propagated in the hobby.
Compatibility and tank mates
Aggressive. It stings corals it touches and can wander, so keep it away from corals and other anemones. It hosts many clownfish, including Clark's, skunk and saddleback clowns; LiveAquaria notes that a host clownfish can help it settle.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
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Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
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