Not furry either, still lovely.
Carpet Anemone
Stichodactyla spp.
Also called Giant carpet anemone (S. gigantea), Haddon's carpet anemone (S. haddoni), Mertens' carpet anemone (S. mertensii), Maxi-mini carpet anemone (S. tapetum)
From Tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, from Mauritius to Fiji and from Japan's Ryukyu Islands to Australia; one species, S. helianthus, lives in the Caribbean.123
At a glance the quick version
Oral disc diameter. S. gigantea and S. haddoni reach about 50-80 cm; S. mertensii can exceed 1 m. A retailer lists aquarium S. haddoni at up to about 50 cm.
Looks how to spot one
Flat, carpet-like oral disc covered in short tentacles
Very large, flattened anemones whose wide disc is packed with short, sticky tentacles, so the animal looks like a soft carpet lying on the sand or reef. Haddon's carpet has alternating short and long tentacles around the edge.42
Personality what they are like
A powerful, semi-aggressive anemone with very sticky tentacles; it is best kept as a focal animal with plenty of room, away from corals and slow, small fish it could catch.425
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Largely stays in one place once settled, anchored in sand or rock.25
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Best suited to experienced reef keepers: it needs a large, mature tank with very stable, clean water and intense lighting, plus regular meaty feedings.45
Home where they are happiest
A large mature reef tank, at least about 285 L (75 US gal) for S. haddoni, with a sand bed and rockwork to anchor in. Retail guidance: 24-27 C, pH 8.0-8.4, specific gravity 1.023-1.025, low to moderate flow and high-intensity light.45
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feeds through its symbiotic zooxanthellae and also catches small invertebrates and fish with its tentacles. In aquariums it is given mysis, brine shrimp and other meaty frozen foods.25
Company who they like around
A natural host for clownfish such as Clark's, saddleback, false percula and two-band anemonefish, and also shelters juvenile three-spot dascyllus and small shrimps and crabs.423
The story where it all began
Johann Friedrich von Brandt named the genus in 1835, though some species were described much earlier, such as S. helianthus in 1768. Carpet anemones are among the most important clownfish hosts in the wild and are kept by advanced reef hobbyists for their size and colour.14
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Mertens' carpet anemone is the largest known sea anemone, with a disc over 1 m across.3
- 2
Some clownfish living in carpet anemones turn black within hours and change back when moved away.3
- 3
In Thai, Haddon's carpet anemone is called 'hed lub', meaning a mushroom that bobs up and down.2
- 4
Two clownfish species are found only with Mertens' carpet anemone.3
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Genus Stichodactyla Brandt, 1835, with five species: S. gigantea, S. haddoni, S. helianthus, S. mertensii and S. tapetum.1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Carpet Anemone. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Carpet Anemone?
Feed your Carpet Anemone meaty foods like mysis or brine shrimp about once or twice a week, adjusting based on its size and appetite. It also gets nutrition from the light through its symbiotic zooxanthellae. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed according to the species, as many feed from light and water.25 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Carpet Anemone eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats small invertebrates and fish it catches with its tentacles, and in aquariums it is given mysis, brine shrimp and other meaty frozen foods. Never feed it anything that could harm its delicate tissues, and avoid overfeeding; always check with a vet or experienced reef keeper for specific guidance.25
How much space does a Carpet Anemone need?
A large, mature reef tank of at least about 285 liters (75 US gallons) for Stichodactyla haddoni is recommended, with a sand bed and rockwork to anchor in. It needs plenty of room as a focal animal, away from corals and small fish it could catch.45
What temperature, light or water does a Carpet Anemone need?
Retail guidance suggests a temperature of 24-27°C, pH 8.0-8.4, specific gravity 1.023-1.025, with low to moderate flow and high-intensity light. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly salinity checks, water tests, and a 10-20% water change every two weeks.45 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Carpet Anemone's home?
Clean the tank by performing a 10-20% water change every two weeks, and top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Weekly water tests and salinity checks are also part of Furry Diary's starting plan to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Carpet Anemone live with others?
It is a natural host for clownfish like Clark's, saddleback, false percula, and two-band anemonefish, and also shelters juvenile three-spot dascyllus and small shrimps and crabs. However, it is semi-aggressive and can catch slow, small fish, so choose tank mates carefully.423
How long does a Carpet Anemone live?
With excellent care in a stable, mature tank, a Carpet Anemone can live for many years, but exact lifespan varies. For specific longevity expectations, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Carpet Anemone?
It is best not to handle a Carpet Anemone, as its tentacles are very sticky and can sting, and handling can stress the animal. Always use tools or gloves if needed, and consult an experienced reef keeper for safe practices.45
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Rock Flower AnemoneWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Stichodactyla (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for species list, taxonomy, symbionts
- Stichodactyla haddoni (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for range, size, tentacles, diet, partners, Thai name
- Stichodactyla mertensii (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for record size, range, clownfish facts
- Stichodactyla gigantea (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for size, colours, tentacles, clownfish partners, aquarium needs
- Green Carpet Anemone (Saltwaterfish.com) saltwaterfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, feeding in captivity
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.