About the Long Tentacle Anemone

The long tentacle anemone, or Macrodactyla doreensis, is a hardy and resilient species for a salt water anemone tank. Healthy adult long tentacle anemones average 20 inches in diameter. The anemone typically is reddish-brown or orange with white spots on its base; some species also have white, lavender or blue pigmentation. The tips of its tentacles contain venom cells, or nemocysts, which it uses to defend against predators.

  1. Natural Habitat and Characteristics

    • The long tentacle anemone, also known as the sand, red base and corkscrew anemone, is native to shallow reefs in the Indian and Pacific oceans. It burrows deeply into the sand or mud, leaving only its tentacles visible. Its natural enemies include species of angel fish and butterfly fish, as well as predatory sea stars. It protects itself either by hiding completely in the sand or by using its venom to sting and capture predators. In its natural habitat, the anemone survives on nutrients received in a symbiotic relationship with algae in its tissues and by feeding on captured prey.

    Caring for Your Long Tentacle Anemone

    • Because of its potential size, this species requires at least a 50-gallon salt water tank. Add a layer of sand across the entire floor of the tank to a minimum depth of 4 inches. According to the experts at Reef Classroom, maintain the temperature at a steady 74 to 82 degrees F., with a slightly elevated pH. Your anemone tank also needs regular infusions of iodine, a medium to high light and a good filtration system to keep the water moving. Supplement your anemone's natural nutrients with finely chopped fish, mussels or crustaceans two to four times per week.

    Sharing the Aquarium

    • This anemone's aggressiveness and venomous tentacles make it a poor choice for inclusion in a tank with other fish or aquatic life. The one exception is the clown fish, with which it has a symbiotic relationship. To successfully coexist in the same tank, the anemone should be at least three times the size of the clown fish. It can be a challenge to maintain even two anemones together in the same tank; to do so, they must be kept at opposite ends of a long tank, ideally with a barrier of some sort between them.

    Precautions for Handling the Anemone

    • Exotic fish retailers recommend wearing plastic or rubber gloves when handling the long tentacle anemone, since its venom can be harmful to humans. Keep the tank tightly covered to prevent children or pets from playing in the water and inadvertently being stung. If someone is stung and begins to experience an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.