Bubble tip anemone

Entacmaea quadricolor · Actiniidae

Also known as BTA, Rose anemone

Intermediate

The clownfish host that actually works in captivity — needs strong light and a mature tank.

In short: A bubble tip anemone needs at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.

Updated 6 October 2026

Minimum tank: 150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Adult size: 30 cm (11.8 in)
Group size: 1+

Reef & marine husbandry

Specific gravity: 1.024–1.026
Reef safety: Reef safe with caution
With corals: Stings corals it wanders into — leave a wide gap.
With inverts: Will eat shrimp that stray in.
Minimum in a mixed reef: 150 L (40 US gal)
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR): 150 L (40 US gal)
Aggression: Stinging, and it moves where it likes.
Feeding: Small feeds once or twice a week.

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume: 150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Hardness: 8–12 dGH
Lifespan: 10–30 years
Diet: Photosynthetic plus carnivore — light, mysis and chopped seafood weekly.
Care level: Intermediate

Origin & habitat

Native region: Indo-Pacific
Water type: Saltwater
Biotope: Reef crevices in bright shallow water
Natural conditions: Strong reef lighting, moderate flow, mature stable water; guard pump intakes.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum group: 1 fish
Swims: Bottom
Good tank mates: Clownfish
Tangs
Gobies
Avoid: Butterflyfish
Large angels
Newly cycled tanks

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty: Intermediate
Sexing: Not sexable.
Notes: Splits on its own when healthy.
Common ailments: Bleaching under weak light
Getting shredded by pumps

Will it fit your tank?

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