The Bubble Tip Anemone is often referred to as the Four-colored, Bulb Tentacle, Bulb Tip, or Bulb Anemone. Red variations may be referred to as Rose Anemones. The appearance of the Bubble Tip Anemone can vary greatly from one individual to the next. At rest, the tentacles have enlarged tips.
The Bubble Tip Anemone is usually found in coral rubble, or in solid reefs. Its pedal disc is usually attached deep within dead coral. It stretches its tentacles to become sweeper tentacles when hungry. That is, the tentacles become elongated to capture a meal, then the tentacles shorten and the bubble tips return.
Handle this invertebrate, and all Anemones, with care. They can sting other Anemones, as well as Corals.
The Bubble Tip Anemone needs strong illumination with live rock full of deep holes and crevices, or branchy corals placed in sand. Larger specimens tend to be from deeper water, but may tolerate a strong lighting set-up. It is generally a hardy reef animal, although, it is prone to infections just after shipping. It should be kept with a Clownfish such as Premnas biaculeatus, Amphiprion frenatus, or Amphiprion chrysopterus for best results. At times, the tentacles may appear stringy; this may be due to insufficient light or the need for food.
Its diet should include chopped fish, shrimp, or worms if a clownfish is not present.