Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone

The Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum) is a colorful, compact marine anemone admired for its intricate patterns, vibrant coloration, and distinctive carpet-like appearance.

This exceptional specimen displays a brilliant combination of fluorescent lime green, golden yellow, and vivid orange. Its broad, flattened oral disc features an elaborate network of golden-yellow radial markings extending outward from a striking orange central mouth, creating a dramatic sunburst effect.

The surface is densely covered with hundreds of short, rounded tentacles in bright green and yellow-green shades. Many of these tentacles reveal darker centers or subtle contrasting coloration, producing a richly textured, almost mosaic-like appearance.

One of the most remarkable features of this specimen is the intricate arrangement of yellow radial lines that extend across the green oral disc. These naturally occurring markings create a striking contrast against the densely packed tentacles and draw attention toward the brilliant orange center.

The irregular, gently scalloped perimeter is surrounded by slightly longer green tentacles, adding dimension to the anemone's flattened, carpet-like structure.

Native to tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments, Stichodactyla tapetum is a relatively small carpet anemone that typically inhabits rocky substrates, rubble areas, and protected reef crevices.

Unlike larger carpet anemones, Maxi Mini Carpet Anemones generally remain compact, making them attractive additions to established reef aquariums where sufficient space can be provided for their stinging tentacles.

This photosynthetic species maintains a symbiotic relationship with microscopic dinoflagellates living within its tissues. These organisms provide an important source of energy through photosynthesis, while the anemone can supplement its nutrition by capturing small marine prey.

Although closely related to larger carpet anemones, Stichodactyla tapetum is not recognized as a natural host for clownfish.

With its fluorescent green tentacles, intricate golden-yellow markings, and brilliant orange center, this Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone offers a spectacular combination of color, pattern, and texture for the marine aquarium.

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 Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone is best maintained in an established marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, appropriate reef lighting, and gentle to moderate circulation. Although generally more adaptable than larger carpet anemone species, it benefits from consistent environmental conditions.

Placement and Attachment: Stichodactyla tapetum typically attaches its pedal disc to hard surfaces within rocky crevices or rubble areas. Provide a secure location where the anemone can anchor its foot while expanding its oral disc. Allow sufficient clearance from surrounding corals.

Lighting and Water Flow: Moderate reef lighting generally supports the photosynthetic requirements of this species. Introduce changes in lighting gradually, particularly when moving the anemone between systems. Low to moderate, indirect water movement should provide circulation without continuously lifting or folding the oral disc.

Feeding and Nutrition: Symbiotic dinoflagellates supply an important portion of the anemone's energy requirements through photosynthesis. Occasional feeding with small portions of thawed mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine shrimp, or other appropriately sized marine foods can provide supplemental nutrition. Avoid oversized food items and excessive feeding.

Compatibility: Maxi Mini Carpet Anemones possess adhesive, stinging tentacles capable of injuring neighboring corals and capturing small animals that come into contact with them. Their compact size makes them easier to accommodate than larger carpet anemones, but appropriate spacing remains essential.

Clownfish Associations: Unlike Stichodactyla haddoni and Stichodactyla gigantea, Stichodactyla tapetum is not recognized as a natural host for clownfish. Some small crustaceans, including certain anemone-associated shrimp, may establish relationships with these anemones.

Handling and Safety: Avoid unnecessary handling and never forcibly detach an attached specimen. The tentacles are sticky and contain stinging cells. Use care when working around the anemone, and protect aquarium pump intakes in case it moves.

Long-Term Care: Healthy specimens generally maintain firm attachment, regular expansion, and responsive feeding behavior. Changes in expansion can occur naturally, but persistent deflation, tissue deterioration, prolonged mouth gaping, or loss of attachment may indicate stress.