Blue Purple Gigantea Carpet Anemone

The Blue Purple Gigantea Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea) is a spectacular marine anemone admired for its intense coloration, densely packed tentacles, and distinctive folded oral disc.

This exceptional specimen displays a rich combination of electric violet, lavender, and blue-purple coloration. Thousands of short, rounded tentacles cover the broad oral disc, creating a velvety, textured appearance. Prominent folds and raised sections produce an intricate three-dimensional structure, while pale blue-white radial markings extend toward the striking magenta-pink central mouth.

The contrast between the brilliant purple tentacles, lighter radial patterns, and vivid central coloration makes this anemone an extraordinary focal point for a carefully maintained marine aquarium.

Native to tropical Indo-Pacific waters, Stichodactyla gigantea is a large carpet anemone found in shallow marine environments, often associated with sandy substrates and reef-adjacent habitats exposed to substantial sunlight and water movement.

Like other photosynthetic host anemones, S. gigantea maintains a symbiotic relationship with microscopic dinoflagellates living within its tissues. These organisms contribute energy through photosynthesis, while the anemone can obtain additional nutrients by capturing marine prey with its adhesive, stinging tentacles.

Gigantea Carpet Anemones also form natural associations with several species of clownfish. Their broad, densely tentacled oral discs provide shelter for compatible clownfish in one of the most recognizable symbiotic relationships on tropical reefs.

The Blue Purple Gigantea Carpet Anemone is best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide strong reef lighting, appropriate water circulation, stable water chemistry, and sufficient space for its eventual growth.

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 Blue Purple Gigantea Carpet Anemone is recommended for experienced aquarists with mature marine aquariums. This species is particularly sensitive to environmental instability and may experience significant stress during transportation and acclimation. Excellent water quality, consistent salinity, appropriate lighting, and sufficient space are essential for long-term success.

Placement and Attachment: In its natural habitat, Stichodactyla gigantea occupies shallow sandy and rocky environments. Provide a protected location where the pedal disc can attach securely, such as a crevice near the sand-rock interface. The anemone may spread its broad oral disc across nearby surfaces while keeping its attachment point concealed.

Lighting and Water Flow: This photosynthetic species benefits from strong reef lighting, introduced gradually to avoid sudden changes in intensity. Provide broad, indirect circulation that promotes water exchange and allows the oral disc to move naturally. Avoid concentrated streams that continuously displace the anemone or cause tissue abrasion.

Feeding and Nutrition: Symbiotic dinoflagellates supply an important portion of the anemone's energy requirements. Occasional supplemental feeding with small portions of thawed mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine shrimp, or other suitable marine foods may provide additional nutrition. Avoid oversized food items and excessive feeding, particularly during acclimation.

Compatibility: Gigantea Carpet Anemones possess highly adhesive tentacles containing powerful stinging cells. They can capture fish and other aquarium animals that accidentally contact the oral disc. Provide substantial separation from neighboring corals and consider the risks to small or vulnerable fish. A carefully planned clownfish-anemone display is often more suitable than a crowded mixed reef aquarium.

Clownfish Associations: Stichodactyla gigantea is a natural host for several clownfish species, including Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula), and Clark's Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii). Individual clownfish may or may not establish a hosting relationship, even when the species is naturally compatible.

Handling and Safety: Avoid direct contact with the tentacles, which can adhere strongly to skin and cause irritation. Never forcibly detach the anemone from its attachment surface, as damage to the pedal disc can be serious. Protect pump and wavemaker intakes, particularly during acclimation or relocation.

Long-Term Care: Healthy specimens generally maintain secure attachment, regular oral disc expansion, and responsive feeding behavior. Persistent deflation, loss of attachment, tissue deterioration, or prolonged mouth gaping may indicate stress or illness. Gigantea Carpet Anemones can be especially vulnerable following shipping, so careful observation during the initial acclimation period is important.