Lemon Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone

The Lemon Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum) is a brilliantly colored marine anemone admired for its compact growth, intricate texture, and striking fluorescent coloration.

This exceptional specimen features a spectacular combination of intense lemon-yellow and vibrant lime-green tentacles. Dense clusters of short, rounded yellow tentacles create a richly textured surface, while slightly longer green tentacles form attractive accents around the outer margins and raised folds of the oral disc. A darker green central area surrounds the mouth, providing a subtle contrast to the brilliant yellow coloration.

The irregular arrangement of its tentacles produces a fascinating three-dimensional appearance, with numerous raised sections and folds that highlight the specimen's remarkable natural patterns.

Native to tropical Indo-Pacific waters, Stichodactyla tapetum is a relatively small carpet anemone that inhabits shallow marine environments, often attaching to hard surfaces within reef-associated habitats.

Like many tropical sea anemones, this species maintains a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic dinoflagellates living within its tissues. These microscopic organisms contribute energy through photosynthesis, while the anemone supplements its nutrition by capturing small marine prey using specialized stinging cells called nematocysts.

Unlike larger carpet anemone species, Maxi Mini Carpet Anemones generally remain relatively compact, making them attractive for established reef aquariums with suitable space and environmental conditions.

The Lemon Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone combines brilliant yellow fluorescence, contrasting green tentacles, and a richly textured oral disc, creating an extraordinary display of color for marine aquarium enthusiasts.

This WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) specimen has been individually photographed, allowing you to purchase the exact anemone pictured.

Care Guide

Additional Care Notes

Aquarium Environment: The Lemon Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone is best maintained in a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, appropriate lighting, and reliable filtration. Although relatively compact, this species benefits from consistent environmental conditions and careful acclimation.

Placement and Attachment: Provide stable rockwork or rubble with protected crevices where the anemone can securely attach its pedal disc. Once established, it generally spreads its colorful oral disc across the surrounding surface. Allow adequate space for expansion and avoid unnecessary relocation.

Lighting and Water Flow: Stichodactyla tapetum maintains symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that contribute to its nutritional requirements. Moderate reef lighting is a reasonable starting point, with gradual adjustments according to the animal's response. Provide gentle to moderate, indirect water movement without continuously folding or displacing the oral disc.

Feeding and Nutrition: Photosynthesis contributes to the anemone's energy needs, while captured marine prey supplies additional nutrients. Occasional feeding with small portions of thawed mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine shrimp, or other appropriately sized marine foods may be beneficial. Avoid excessive feeding and remove uneaten food.

Compatibility: Maxi Mini Carpet Anemones possess adhesive tentacles containing stinging cells that can damage neighboring corals and capture small aquarium animals. Maintain sufficient separation from other livestock. Unlike some larger carpet anemones, Stichodactyla tapetum is not a recognized natural clownfish host.

Handling and Safety: Avoid unnecessary direct handling and never forcibly pull an attached anemone from rockwork. Damage to the pedal disc can compromise its health. Protect exposed pump intakes, particularly if the anemone begins moving.

Long-Term Care: Healthy specimens generally maintain secure attachment, regular oral disc expansion, and normal feeding responses. Temporary contraction may occur, but persistent deflation, tissue deterioration, prolonged mouth gaping, or loss of attachment can indicate stress. Color intensity and tentacle expansion may vary with lighting and environmental conditions.