Bubble-tip anemone

Evolution

''E. quadricolor'' anemones often appear in a variety of morphs, including rose, orange, red and standard green. This sea anemone can grow to be up to a 30 centimetres in diameter, and obtains the majority of its energy from solar radiation via its symbiotic zooxanthellae. Nutrients are generally obtained by filter feeding using its sweeping tentacles, or through wastes and debris cleaned from the surface of its partner clownfish. In aquariums, this sea anemone will reproduce asexually when in proper care with supplemented minerals such as iodine and other trace elements .

In the wild, Bubble Tip Anemones are found in two locations. Large specimens, with tentacles that are more streaming or stringy, are often found in deeper waters with more dimly lit conditions. These specimens are often solitary. Smaller specimens are often located in groups or colonies, nearer to the surface, in bright sunlight. These specimens tend to show the bulbous tips on their tentacles that are characteristic to Bubble Tip Anemones. Although there are various theories about why some Bubble Tip Anemones develop these tips and some do not, it is widely believed that the bulbs are related to the light level in the anemone's habitat; specimens given more light are believed to have bubble tipped tentacles.

Cultural

The Bubble Tip Anemone, can be found to be commonly kept in marine aquariums and comes in variety of colours, green being the most common.

An interesting aspect of this creature is its ability to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the Clown fish, which can "host" the anemone by providing it with defence against predators and also providing some nourishment. In turn, the anemone provides the Clown fish with shelter.