Natural host for Ocellaris clowns

[rockworm]

Which anemone is a natural host for a pair of Ocellaris clowns? I just acquired two from another reefer. They will be housed in a 54g corner bowfront under 150 HQI lighting. Thanks.

[garygb]

Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea and S. mertensii are the natural hosts for ocellaris.

[rockworm]

thank you garygb. Off to my favorite LFS to see what he can get.

[garygb]

You might want to research each of those species of anemone, if you haven't already. They are generally considered difficult to keep. Also, finding a healthy one to begin with is the most difficult part, I think.

[rockworm]

I have been checking out the anemones you provided and two observations I made. One, as you noted, they are difficult to keep. Two, a 54g will not be big enough to house one if I decided to go ahead. I have a 220g that may work, but it is a FOWLR with angels and butterflies and I am concerned that an anemone will get harassed by some of them. Further, an anemone may restrict my future additions to the tank.

The Saltaquarium.about site (http://saltaquarium.about.com/library/profiles/bl_anemsclownschart.htm) states the Ocellaris might accept a Entacmaea quadricolor (bubble tip) as a host. I will further research any successes with this combination.

Again, thanks for your help on this.

[garygb]

You're welcome. Yeah, ocellaris often accept BTAs and sebaes (H. crispa) as well.