Haddon's Carpet Anemone

Stichodactyla haddoni

CoralMarine

Stichodactyla haddoni has a large oral disc (up to 50 cm) covered with short, sticky tentacles. Color ranges from green to brown, sometimes blue or purple. It is highly stinging and can sting fish or humans. It lives in symbiosis with clownfish (Amphiprioninae). It attaches to hard substrate or sand. It can move slowly. In aquaria, it requires intense lighting and good water quality.

Recommended parameters

ParameterRecommended range
Temperature24–28
pH8–8.4
GH7–9
KH8–12
Salinity1.023–1.025
NO₃≤ 10
PO₄≤ 0.05

Care

Difficulty3/5
Dietcarnivore
Min. tank100 L
Min. group1
Adult size50 cm
Lifespan15 ans
TemperamentSemi-aggressive

Care notes

Temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.0-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025. Intense lighting (PAR 200-300). Low to moderate flow. Calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1250-1350 ppm. Alkalinity 8-12 dKH. Nitrates <10 ppm, phosphates <0.05 ppm. Carnivorous diet: small fish, shrimp, meaty pieces. Avoid very small fish that could be eaten. Requires a tank of at least 100 L. Beware of pump intakes. Can be challenging for beginners.