Page 288 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

286 MARINE INVERTEBRATES DIRECTORY

SPONGES AND ANEMONES

These invertebrates are an integral part of the reef
ecosystem. Anemones are soft-bodied creatures
with flowing, stinging tentacles for catching prey.
Sponges have a more rigid body structure and are
filter-feeders. Both are sometimes known as
sessile invertebrates because, like corals, they
anchor themselves to the reef. Sponges build
up their body casing from minerals, such as
calcium and silica, combined with a jellylike
substance called spongin. As a sponge grows, it
is possible to take off pieces and establish these
“cuttings” elsewhere. Anemones reproduce either
sexually or asexually, depending on the species.
The Four-Colored Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)
is used as a retreat by clownfish (see pp.244–245).

Pachycerianthus species Axinella species Condylactis gigantea
Cerianthus Orange Cup Sponge Pink-Tipped Anemone

ORIGINS The western Pacific, notably from Singapore ORIGINS Widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific ORIGINS Ranges widely throughout the Caribbean and
north to the Philippines. region, including off Sri Lanka and Indonesia. western Atlantic, reaching Bermuda and Brazil.
SIZE 12 in (30 cm). SIZE 6 in (15 cm). SIZE 16 in (40 cm).
DIET Meat-based foods. Drop food on the anemone DIET Invertebrate food. Will also take puréed shrimp DIET Meat-based foods. Typically requires feeding
once or twice a week. and mussels. every two days or so.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
Orange Cups will not thrive in silt, and their tank
needs a relatively strong current to prevent debris
from building up in the cup. Their shape also makes
them vulnerable to being choked by algae. If the
cup’s rim is paler than the rest of the sponge, it has
dried out at some point previously. This will prove
fatal in the long run, so avoid such specimens.

This anemone constructs a protective tube from These anemones vary naturally in color; those
mucus and sand. During the day, the anemone with purplish tentacles tend to be more popular
retreats into the tube, anchored in the substrate. than pale-tentacled specimens. Preferring bright
At night, it preys on crustaceans and slow- light, they are ideal for a reef tank, where they
swimming fish. In the aquarium, avoid housing it will anchor themselves in rocky crevices. They fare
with creatures such as seahorses, which it will eat. well in dimmer light, too, so they can be included
Site it away from corals and other anemones, and in a setup intended primarily for fish. Pale dots on
take care not to touch its stinging tentacles. the tentacles indicate the positions of stinging cells.

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