Sebae Anemone (Heteractis crispa)

Taxonomy & Identity

The Sebae Anemone, also called Leathery Sea Anemone, is frequently seen in the hobby but has a mixed reputation. Often sold bleached (pure white) and stressed, healthy specimens with proper coloration can actually be kept successfully by intermediate to advanced aquarists. The key is selecting healthy specimens and meeting their needs.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

H. crispa is found throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to Fiji. They inhabit various reef environments, typically attaching their column to hard substrate in crevices or under ledges while exposing their oral disc to light. They're found from shallow reef flats to moderate depths.

Morphology & Color Varieties

Sebae Anemones have long, tapering tentacles with a leathery texture and a column that attaches firmly to rockwork. Healthy specimens are tan, brown, or green with purple or magenta tips—never pure white. White specimens are bleached and have lost their zooxanthellae, making survival difficult. Size can reach 12–20 inches when healthy.

⚠️ Bleached Specimens

Lighting Requirements

• Intensity: Moderate to high
• Target PAR: 150–350

Sebae Anemones need good lighting to maintain their zooxanthellae. Bleached specimens are particularly light-sensitive and may need lower light initially while being rehabilitated. Healthy specimens appreciate moderate to high light similar to BTAs.

Flow Requirements

• Intensity: Moderate
• Type: Indirect, variable

Moderate, indirect flow works best for Sebae Anemones. They need enough water movement for gas exchange but shouldn't be blasted by direct current. Their long tentacles should gently sway with the flow.

Water Chemistry

Sebae Anemones require stable, clean water conditions. They're moderately sensitive to parameter swings. A mature tank with consistent parameters gives the best chance of success.

Feeding

Regular feeding is important for Sebae Anemones, especially recovering bleached specimens that cannot photosynthesize effectively.

• Mysis and enriched brine shrimp
• Small pieces of raw shrimp or fish
• Silversides (appropriately sized)
• Quality frozen reef foods

Feed 2–3 times per week for healthy specimens, more frequently for recovering bleached anemones. Healthy specimens have a strong feeding response.

Clownfish Compatibility

H. crispa hosts numerous clownfish species:

• Clarkii Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
• Sebae Clownfish (Amphiprion sebae) - named after this anemone
• Tomato Clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus)
• Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
• Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula)

This is one of the more versatile hosting anemones when healthy, accepting many clownfish species.

Common Issues & Concerns

• Bleaching: Majority of specimens sold are bleached and stressed
• Shipping stress: Often arrive in poor condition
• Misidentification: Sometimes confused with other Heteractis species
• Wandering: May move if conditions aren't suitable
• Mouth gaping: Sign of severe stress or dying specimen

Selection Tips

Choosing a healthy specimen is critical for Sebae Anemone success:

• NEVER buy white/bleached specimens
• Look for tan, brown, or green coloration
• Purple or magenta tentacle tips indicate health
• Tentacles should be fully extended and responsive
• Mouth should be closed, not gaping
• Ask to see feeding response before purchase
• Avoid specimens with visible damage or tears

Tank Requirements

• Minimum tank size: 50 gallons
• Tank maturity: 6+ months established
• Placement: Rockwork with crevices for column attachment
• Note: Cover powerhead intakes

Difficulty Rating & Summary

Difficulty: Advanced

The Sebae Anemone's reputation is worse than deserved—healthy specimens can be successfully maintained by dedicated aquarists. However, the prevalence of bleached, stressed specimens in the trade means most purchasers receive animals already in decline. The key to success is selecting only healthy, colored specimens and avoiding the temptation to "rescue" white anemones. With proper selection and care, Sebae Anemones can be rewarding clownfish hosts.