Condy Anemone (Condylactis gigantea)

Taxonomy & Identity

The Condy Anemone, also known as the Haitian Anemone or Giant Caribbean Anemone, is one of the hardiest and most affordable anemones available. Native to the Caribbean, it's commonly recommended as a beginner anemone—though it won't host clownfish and can be a voracious predator that requires thoughtful tank planning.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

Condylactis gigantea is found throughout the Caribbean, including Florida, the Bahamas, and the West Indies. They inhabit various environments from rocky reef areas to sandy substrates, often tucking their column into crevices. They're common in shallow waters and are frequently collected for the aquarium trade due to their abundance.

Morphology & Color Varieties

Condy Anemones have long, tapered tentacles (up to 6 inches) with distinctively colored tips—usually pink, purple, or green. The body column is typically brown or orange. The oral disc can span 6–12 inches in healthy specimens, though some grow larger. The tentacles have a graceful, flowing appearance in current.

Lighting Requirements

• Intensity: Low to moderate
• Target PAR: 50–200

Condy Anemones are very adaptable to lighting conditions. They thrive under moderate light but can survive in lower-light conditions as well. They don't demand the intense lighting required by Indo-Pacific hosting anemones, making them suitable for a wider range of aquarium setups.

Flow Requirements

• Intensity: Low to moderate
• Type: Indirect

Moderate, indirect flow is preferred. Their long tentacles flow attractively in gentle current. Avoid strong direct flow that causes constant retraction. Position away from powerhead outputs.

Water Chemistry

Condy Anemones are extremely tolerant of water conditions, handling a wide range of parameters that would stress other anemones. Their Caribbean origin means they tolerate cooler temperatures well. They're truly one of the hardiest anemone species available.

Feeding

Condys are enthusiastic feeders and efficient predators. They actively capture food and will eat aggressively.

• Mysis and brine shrimp
• Silversides and other fish pieces
• Raw shrimp chunks
• Any meaty seafood

Feed 2–3 times per week. Be aware that Condys can and will capture small fish and invertebrates—they're more predatory than many anemones.

Clownfish Compatibility

Condy Anemones do NOT naturally host clownfish. They're Caribbean species while clownfish are Indo-Pacific. While some desperate clownfish may attempt to host, this isn't a natural relationship and the anemone may sting and injure the clownfish.

For clownfish hosting, choose a Bubble Tip Anemone or other Indo-Pacific species instead.

⚠️ Predatory Behavior

Tank Compatibility

• Movement: Can wander, especially when newly added
• Sting potency: Moderate—can damage nearby corals
• Predation risk: High for small fish and inverts
• Best suited for: Fish-only or FOWLR tanks

Condys can be challenging in mixed reef tanks due to their wandering, stinging capability, and predatory nature. They're best suited for fish-only systems or carefully planned reef tanks without small vulnerable inhabitants.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
• Placement: Rockwork with crevices
• Tankmates: Avoid small fish and valuable invertebrates
• Note: Cover powerhead intakes

Common Concerns

• Wandering: May move repeatedly until finding ideal conditions
• Fish casualties: Will capture unwary small fish
• Coral stinging: Can damage corals it contacts during movement
• Deflation: Normal periodically; prolonged deflation indicates problems

Purchasing Tips

• Very affordable—often under $20
• Select specimens with extended tentacles
• Avoid specimens with visible damage
• Mouth should be closed, not gaping
• Widely available at most fish stores

Difficulty Rating & Summary

Difficulty: Beginner

The Condy Anemone is one of the hardiest anemones available, tolerating conditions that would kill other species. However, their inability to host clownfish, wandering behavior, and predatory nature mean they're not the ideal "beginner anemone" they're sometimes marketed as. They're best suited for fish-only tanks or aquarists who understand and plan for their predatory behavior. For reef tanks wanting a beginner- friendly anemone, Rock Flower Anemones are often a better choice.