Types of Bubble Tip Anemones

A variety of bubble tip anemones, also known as bulb tip anemones, are found in shallow and deep tropical waters. Other types are the tube-dwelling anemone (or burrowing sea anemone), purple tip anemone, rose anemone, the four-colored anemone and the rosy bubble tip anemone.

  1. Tube-dwelling Anemone

    • The name "tube-dwelling" derived from the anemone's ability to build a tube to live and withdraw into. The anemone creates a tube by releasing threads of a special type of nematocysts called ptychocyst. The outcome is a defensive weapon of woven fibrous structure of stinging cells to protect the anemone from predator attacks. The anemone will quickly withdraw its entire body into the tube that is buried in soft sediments of the ocean floor if frightened or disturbed.

    Purple Base Anemone

    • The purple base or pink tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor), another bubble tip, is easily accepted by a clown fish as a host. The clown fish cleans its tentacles and thwarts potential predators in exchange for a home and protection. The hardiest of all bubble tip anemones, the purple base anemones are accepted by many different kinds of clown fish.

    Rose Bubble Tip Anemone

    • The rose bubble tip anemone, least common of the bubble tip anemones, has a delicate rosy hue; hence the name. The shape of its tentacles is considered the most peculiar and yet the most spectacular feature. The tentacles can expand to form an attractive spherical or pear shape just below the tip. Researchers suggest the presence of clown fish triggers the anemone to inflate its tentacles, although the idea has never been conclusively proven.

    Four-colored Anemone

    • Considered one of the most beautiful ornamental anemones, the four-colored anemone has color variations from soft browns, tans or maroon to green. They can be found in Fiji, Singapore and Tonga.

    White-spotted Rose Anemone

    • The white-spotted rose anemone, also known as the rose anemone, has distinct red pedal columns decorated with white dots. Its colorful appearance adds beauty to tide pools and rocky shorelines. These anemones use their venomous tentacles to sting and deflect possible attacks, but what makes them differ from other anemones is they mostly use their tentacles to stun and capture prey.

    Maroon Sea Anemone

    • Maroon sea anemones are reddish-purple with delicate flowering tentacles. They, like the tube-dwelling anemone, build a tube-shaped enclosure to hide in when threatened.