Invertebrates
Bubble-tip Anemone
Entacmaea quadricolor · also called bulb anemone, rose anemone
Swaying gently with bulb-shaped tips on its tentacles, a bubble-tip anemone hosts a small group of clownfish darting safely among its stinging arms, a partnership it forms with more clownfish species than any other anemone on the reef.
Overview
The bubble-tip anemone, Entacmaea quadricolor, is native to coral reef habitat across the Indo-Pacific region. Its distinctive bulb-shaped tentacle tips, status as the most widely used host anemone for clownfish species, and ability to reproduce by splitting in two make it one of the most ecologically significant anemones found on tropical reefs.
The reef’s most generous host
While several anemone species partner with clownfish, the bubble-tip anemone hosts a broader range of clownfish species than any other, making it something of a universal host within the complex web of reef partnerships.
Status
Not Evaluated for conservation status, widespread across suitable coral reef habitat throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Bubble-tip Anemone: common questions
Why does the bubble-tip anemone have bulb-shaped tentacles?
Under certain conditions, it develops distinctive rounded, bulb-like swellings at the ends of its tentacles, though the exact reason for this shape change is still debated among researchers.
How many clownfish species can the bubble-tip anemone host?
It hosts a wider range of clownfish species than any other anemone found on coral reefs, making it one of the most ecologically important anemones for clownfish partnerships.
Can the bubble-tip anemone reproduce without a mate?
Yes, it can reproduce asexually by splitting its body into two separate, genetically identical anemones, allowing a single individual to multiply without needing to breed sexually.
What colours does the bubble-tip anemone come in?
It occurs in several colour variations, including green, brown, and rose-red forms, adding to its popularity in the reef aquarium hobby.