Green Bulb Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)

The Green Bulb Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) is a vibrant green Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA) — the most reliable host anemone in the hobby and a mesmerizing, living centerpiece for an established reef. Its glowing tentacles sway with the current and, best of all, it readily hosts clownfish. Pair it with the rest of our saltwater livestock for a true slice of the reef.

Care Guide

• Care level: Intermediate — best in an established reef (6+ months) with stable parameters.
• Lighting: Moderate to high. Like corals, it relies on symbiotic zooxanthellae and needs quality reef lighting.
• Flow: Moderate; it will sway in the current but shouldn't be blasted.
• Placement: It chooses its own spot, anchoring its foot deep in rockwork — give it open rock with crevices. It may wander until it settles.
• Feeding: Photosynthetic, but feeding meaty foods (mysis, small chunks) once or twice a week boosts size and color.
• Safety: Anemones can be mobile and may sting nearby corals — give it space. Guard powerhead and pump intakes so it can't get drawn in.

Specifications

Compatibility

The star pairing for a Bubble Tip Anemone is a clownfish — watch them bond as the clown nestles into the tentacles. Great matches from our stock include:

• Orange Skunk Clownfish
• Maroon Clownfish (maroons especially love BTAs)

Keep it away from corals it could sting, and avoid anemone-nipping species (some large angelfish and butterflyfish). Most importantly, guard pump and powerhead intakes so a wandering anemone can't be drawn in.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Freeze-Dried Mysis Shrimp — a meaty treat to feed it directly
• AI Prime 16 HD Reef Light — quality lighting for photosynthesis
• Red Sea Coral Pro Salt — for stable reef water changes
• Seachem Prime — dechlorinate and detoxify new water
• Find a clownfish partner in our saltwater livestock

FAQ

Will clownfish host in this anemone?
Very likely — Bubble Tip Anemones are the most reliable host anemones in the hobby. Maroon and clarkii clowns take to them especially well, and many others will host too.

Is it reef safe?
With caution. It won't bother fish, but it can move around and sting corals it touches, so give it space and a tank where it can claim a spot.

What lighting and tank does it need?
Moderate-to-high reef lighting in an established tank (6+ months) with stable salinity, temperature, and alkalinity. Anemones don't tolerate swings.

Do I need to feed it?
It's photosynthetic, but feeding meaty foods like mysis once or twice a week will help it grow and color up.