Rock Flower Care Overview:
Common Name: Rock Flower Anemone, Flower Anemone
Latin Name: Phymanthus crucifer
Difficulty Level: Beginner: These anemones are hardy and require minimal maintenance
Colors: Orange, Green, Purple, Pink, with some varieties exhibiting ultra-colored tentacles.
Temperament: Peaceful. Although generally non-aggressive, flower anemones may feed on sick or unhealthy tank inhabitants such as fish, sea horses, or shrimp.
Compatibility: They are compatible with various tank sizes and cohabitate well with corals, fish, and certain invertebrates like Sexy Shrimp and Porcelain Crabs. However, caution is advised when keeping them with clownfish and sand-sifting species.
Propagation: Rock Flower Anemones reproduce sexually, and having multiple individuals in the tank can encourage spawning.
Growth Speed: Slow. Rock Flower Anemones stay relatively small, typically reaching 1-2 inches in diameter, with some specimens growing up to about 4 inches in captivity.
Tank Placement: Low to middle parts of the tank. They prefer to settle on a substrate like sand beds or rockwork and usually stay in one spot once attached. Rock flowers will move to their preferred spot
Some aquarists place new Rock Flower Anemones in a glass dish, PVC end cap, or other container within the tank after purchase to allow them to acclimate.
Lighting Intensity: Moderate (100-200 PAR). While they can adapt to low light conditions, they tend to thrive best under moderate lighting.
Water Flow: Low to Moderate. Once attached, these anemones don’t move too much.
Temperature: 78°F / 25.5°C to 84°F / 28°C. They can adapt to a range of temperatures, but 82°F (28°C) is optimal.
pH: 8.1-8.4, ideally around 8.2-8.3.
Nitrate: 5-10 ppm, keeping levels stable.
Phosphate: 0.05-0.1 ppm, keeping levels stable.
Alkalinity: 9 dKh. While they don’t consume alkalinity like hard corals, maintaining stable alkalinity levels is still recommended.
Understanding Rock Flower Anemones
Rock flower anemones, scientifically known as Phymanthus crucifer, are one of the most popular species of anemones kept in home aquariums. Their colorful appearance, peaceful temperament, and low-maintenance requirements make them a wonderful choice for both beginner and expert saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. Aquarium hobbyists have even reported dedicating full tanks to these lovable “nems.” These anemones are also reef-safe and can coexist with a variety of corals and invertebrates.
Belonging to the Phymanthidae family, rock flower anemones are cherished for their bright colors and distinctive shape, featuring a flat, circular oral disc with short, often stubby tentacles tipped in pink, purple, orange, or green hues. Their central mouth is encircled by up to 200 unique tentacles. They come in a wide range of colors, including orange, green, purple, and pink, with some varieties displaying ultra-colored tentacles that add an eye-catching element to any reef tank. While rock flowers are typically small, measuring between 1 to 2 inches in diameter, they can grow up to 4 inches wide in captivity (and have been documented to reach up to 8 inches in the wild)!
There are around 11 different species of rock flower anemones, all of which are native to the tropical waters of the Caribbean. They thrive on rocky or sandy substrates at depths of up to 100 feet. Their hardiness and adaptability make them ideal for beginners, as they can tolerate varying lighting and flow conditions. Unlike some other anemone species, rock flower anemones are known for staying in place once settled, reducing the risk of them wandering into unsuitable areas of the tank. With proper care, they can live up to 10 years in captivity.
Rock Flower Anemone Care
Rock flower anemones are a great addition to any reef tank. They are relatively easy to care for and can add a pop of color to your aquarium. Here are some tips on how to care for your rock flower anemone.
Tank Requirements and Acclimation
Tank Size: Rock flower anemones are small in size, starting at about 1-2 inches in diameter and reaching a maximum of about 4 inches. A minimum tank size of 5 gallons is sufficient for one or two anemones.
Substrate: Rock flower anemones attach themselves to rocks or substrate, so it is important to provide them with a suitable surface to attach to. A sand bed or rockwork can be used as a substrate for these easy-going anemones. Avoid placing them too close to other corals or anemones, as they can sting each other.
Acclimation: When introducing a rock flower anemone to a new tank, you’ll want to acclimate it properly to prevent stress and ensure a smooth transition. Drip acclimation is recommended for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow time for the anemone to adjust to the new tank’s conditions. This process involves slowly introducing small amounts of the new tank’s water into the bag containing the anemone. The water is added very slowly, allowing the anemone to gradually adjust to the new water chemistry, temperature, and salinity.
Placement: When placing your RFAs, don’t worry about finding the perfect location. Flower anemones will use their feet to move to the spot they like best and settle there. It can be helpful to turn off water flow for 15-30 minutes to allow your new anemones time to find their favorite position in your tank.
Lighting and Water Flow
Rock flower anemones prefer moderate water flow and lighting conditions and will move around to find a comfortable position in your tank where the flow and lighting are ideal. They can thrive under a range of lights, including LED, T5, and metal halide lighting.
For water flow, too much can cause them to detach from their substrate while too little flow can lead to the accumulation of waste. Maintain good water quality by performing regular water changes.
Water Parameters
Maintaining proper water parameters is essential for the health of your rock flower anemone. Maintain pH levels between 8.1 to 8.4, ideally around 8.2 to 8.3. While these anemones do not consume alkalinity or calcium like hard corals, stable levels are still important for overall tank health. Keep alkalinity maintained between 8 to 9 dKH, and calcium levels between 400 to 450 ppm. Water temperature should range from 77°F to 84°F (25°C to 29°C), with 82°F (28°C) being optimal.
Feeding and Nutrition
Dietary Needs
Rock flower anemones are photosynthetic carnivores and thrive on a diet of meaty foods. They can be fed with a variety of small-sized, meaty foods such as shrimp, krill, and small pieces of fish. Feeding can be done directly by using a pipette or a turkey baster to target the food directly onto their tentacles. Alternatively, the food can be placed near the anemone and allowed to drift towards it. It is important to ensure that the food is small enough for the anemone to consume and does not remain in the tank to pollute the water.
Compatibility and Interaction
Symbiotic Relationships
Rock flower anemones are known to have symbiotic relationships with various invertebrates, such as porcelain crabs, anemone shrimp, and sexy shrimp. These small creatures benefit from the protection provided by the anemone’s stinging tentacles while the anemone benefits from the scraps of food left behind by the crustaceans.
Reproduction and Growth
Rock flower anemones reproduce sexually. Typically the female is much larger than the male. Before spawning activity, the best way to ensure that rock flower anemones will reproduce in a tank is to have multiple individuals. When they do spawn, the baby rock flower anemones can often be found underneath the petals or tentacles of the adults.
Common Issues and Solutions
Rock flower anemones are generally healthy and hardy creatures that can live for several years if they are provided with the right conditions. However, they are still susceptible to certain diseases and environmental factors that can harm them. In this section, we will discuss some common issues that rock flower anemones face and how to prevent them.
Foot Damage: Tearing or damage to feet can be extremely harmful to your rock flower anemone. This type of damage can occur during handling by sellers or RFA owners attempting to move the anemone too roughly or quickly.
To avoid foot damage, gently slide your fingernail under the foot and work your way underneath. Be very careful and slow as you do this.
Bleaching: One of the most common issues that rock flower anemones face is bleaching, which occurs when they lose their vibrant colors and turn white. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor water conditions, inadequate lighting, and stress.
To prevent bleaching, it is important to provide your rock flower anemone with the right water conditions, including a stable pH level, alkalinity, and calcium levels. It is also important to provide adequate lighting, as rock flower anemones require moderate to high intensity illumination for 10-12 hours per day.
Infection: Another common issue that rock flower anemones face is infection by parasites or bacteria. This can cause them to become lethargic, lose their appetite, and develop visible signs of disease such as lesions or discoloration. To prevent infection, maintain good water quality and provide your rock flower anemone with ample nutrition through spot or broadcast feeding. You may want to quarantine any new additions to your tank to prevent the spread of disease.
Get Started With Rock Flower Anemones
Rock flower anemones are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced reef keepers who want to add a splash of color and uniqueness to their aquarium. Their hardiness, peaceful nature, and adaptability to a variety of tank conditions make them easy to care for. With the right environment and care, Rock Flower Anemones will flourish and bring vibrant beauty to your tank for many years.
Ready to start your RFA hoard? Check out our cut-to-order rock flower anemones.
Rock Flower Anemone FAQ
How do you care for a rock flower anemone in an aquarium?
Rock flower anemones are generally easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They thrive in varying water flow and lighting conditions, making them versatile additions to your tank. While they can tolerate different placements, they appreciate moderate water flow and a substrate like a sand bed or rockwork for stability. Rock flower anemones are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish or shrimp.
What size tank is recommended for a rock flower anemone?
Rock flower anemones are relatively small and can be kept in tanks as small as 5 gallons (19L). However, it is recommended to keep them in at least a 10-gallon (38L) tank to ensure they have enough space to move around and establish their territory.
Are rock flower anemones compatible with clownfish?
Rock flower anemones will not host clownfish. Try pairing RFAs with other species like Sexy Shrimp, Anemone Shrimp, or a Porcelain Crab if you would like to help them establish symbiotic relationships.
Can rock flower anemones coexist with coral in a reef aquarium?
Rock flower anemones are generally peaceful and can coexist with coral in a reef aquarium.
What is the maximum size a rock flower anemone can reach?
Rock flower anemones reach a maximum size of about 4 inches in captivity. They are relatively small compared to other types of anemones, making them a great addition to smaller tanks.
Is it necessary to dip rock flower anemones before introducing them to a tank?
No, dips should not be used for rock flower anemones or any other kind of anemone. Anemones that ingest coral dips or rinses may die or suffer severe damage.
