Anemone hiding

creef · 2025-02-05T14:27:22-0500

I bought an anemone about 4 weeks ago, when placed in the tank it immediately went into a gap in the rocks and it’s now tucked in so far I can barely see it, I’m just concerned I can’t check it’s health etc and it’s getting no light at all.

Should I try and move it? I can’t get any pictures of it, but it’s white with fairly long tentacles and I’ve found a photo here of one that looks identical.

oliver1812 · 2025-02-05T14:45:40-0500

Hi,

All of the anemones I have purchased go through a hiding phase. They have what is called a foot that allows them to move around the reef. This also gives them the freedom to move around, at will, until they find a spot that they love and settle into it. I have also had them settle not a spot for months only to wake up and find them on the other side of the reef.

In short, the nem will settle when it finds a spot that it loves. It may not be the ideal spot that you would prefer but it will be its spot nonetheless.

Most nems are photosynthetic and get most of their nutrition from your lights but you can also supplement their diet with prepared food once they settle in.

I hope this helps!!

BryanM · 2025-02-05T14:49:29-0500

People say you can point a powerhead at it and try to force it to move... I did not have luck.

Mine moves all the time.

creef · 2025-02-05T14:56:18-0500

oliver1812 said:
Hi,

All of the anemones I have purchased go through a hiding phase. They have what is called a foot that allows them to move around the reef. This also gives them the freedom to move around, at will, until they find a spot that they love and settle into it. I have also had them settle not a spot for months only to wake up and find them on the other side of the reef.

In short, the nem will settle when it finds a spot that it loves. It may not be the ideal spot that you would prefer but it will be its spot nonetheless.

Most nems are photosynthetic and get most of their nutrition from your lights but you can also supplement their diet with prepared food once they settle in.

I hope this helps!!

That’s great help thanks! I’m hoping it decides to find a new spot, it’s just worrying not being able to see it if there’s any problems but it must be pretty happy where it is.