Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla spp.)

Taxonomy & Identity

Carpet Anemones are among the largest and most impressive—and dangerous—anemones in the hobby. Named for their carpet-like appearance with thousands of short, sticky tentacles, they possess extremely potent stinging cells capable of causing serious injury to humans and killing fish. They're expert-only animals requiring large, dedicated systems.

Species Overview

Three main species are seen in the hobby:

• Stichodactyla gigantea (Gigantic Carpet): Largest species, can exceed 3 feet. Most demanding.
• Stichodactyla haddoni (Saddle Carpet): Somewhat smaller and slightly more adaptable. Wavy edges.
• Stichodactyla mertensii (Merten's Carpet): Found on hard substrate rather than sand. Very large.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

Carpet Anemones are found throughout the Indo-Pacific. S. gigantea and S. haddoni typically inhabit sandy areas, burying their columns in substrate. S. mertensii attaches to hard surfaces. All species prefer bright, shallow water with good flow. They can grow to enormous sizes and live for many decades in the wild.

Morphology & Color Varieties

Carpet Anemones feature a broad, flat oral disc covered with thousands of short, stubby tentacles that create the "carpet" appearance. Colors include green, blue, purple, tan, and combinations thereof. The tentacles are extremely sticky and adhesive. Healthy specimens can reach 2–3+ feet in diameter in aquariums.

Lighting Requirements

• Intensity: High to very high
• Target PAR: 300–500+

Carpet Anemones require intense lighting. Their shallow-water origins mean they're adapted to very high light levels. Metal halides or powerful LED systems are essential. Insufficient lighting leads to shrinking, color loss, and eventual death.

Flow Requirements

• Intensity: Moderate to high
• Type: Variable

Good water flow is important for carpet anemone health. They need enough movement to facilitate gas exchange and nutrient delivery across their large surface area. However, avoid direct laminar flow that prevents them from expanding naturally.

Water Chemistry

Carpet Anemones demand excellent water quality with low nutrients and stable parameters. A well-established, mature system with robust filtration is essential. They do not tolerate poor water conditions or parameter swings.

Feeding

Carpet Anemones are voracious predators capable of capturing and consuming surprisingly large prey, including fish.

• Silversides and other small fish
• Large shrimp pieces
• Chunks of fish, squid, or scallop
• Essentially any meaty seafood

Feed 1–3 times per week depending on size. Carpets can eat substantial amounts. Be warned: they will catch and consume small fish that venture too close!

Clownfish Compatibility

Carpet Anemones host primarily:

• Clarkii Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
• Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus) - especially S. haddoni
• Sebae Clownfish (Amphiprion sebae)
• Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) - S. gigantea

The anemone's powerful sting means only certain clownfish species can safely host. Incompatible clownfish may be stung and killed. Even compatible species need time to build mucus immunity.

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Common Issues & Concerns

• Fish predation: Carpets will eat your fish—this is not a mixed reef animal
• Human stings: Extremely painful and potentially dangerous
• Size: They can rapidly outgrow tanks
• Wandering: A moving carpet can devastate a reef tank
• Poor survival: Many don't survive long-term in captivity

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 100+ gallons (larger strongly preferred)
• Sand bed: Deep sand for S. gigantea and S. haddoni
• Fish selection: No small fish or they will be eaten
• Best setup: Species-specific or clownfish-only tank

Difficulty Rating & Summary

Difficulty: Expert

Carpet Anemones are stunning but extremely challenging animals suitable only for expert aquarists with dedicated, large systems. Their dangerous sting, predatory behavior toward fish, demanding requirements, and poor captive survival make them inappropriate for most hobbyists. Those attempting carpets should be fully prepared for their unique challenges and potential to harm both aquarium inhabitants and the aquarist themselves.