Purple Gigantea Carpet Anemone

The Purple Gigantea Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea) is a spectacular marine anemone prized for its brilliant coloration, densely packed tentacles, and distinctive folded appearance.

This beautiful specimen displays an impressive combination of vibrant violet, rich purple, and soft lavender tones. Thousands of short, rounded tentacles cover the expansive oral disc, creating a richly textured, carpet-like surface. The tentacles form dense clusters along the raised folds, producing dramatic three-dimensional contours and an intricate pattern of color and texture.

The central portion of the oral disc reveals delicate cream and pale lavender coloration, with subtle radial markings extending outward toward the intensely purple tentacles. These lighter areas create a striking contrast against the vivid purple folds, emphasizing the anemone's natural structure.

Native to tropical Indo-Pacific waters, Stichodactyla gigantea inhabits shallow marine environments, including sandy and reef-associated habitats where it receives substantial sunlight and water movement.

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 marine prey with its adhesive, stinging tentacles.

Gigantea Carpet Anemones are also natural hosts for several clownfish species. Their broad oral discs and dense tentacles provide shelter for compatible clownfish, creating one of the most fascinating symbiotic relationships found on tropical coral reefs.

With its brilliant purple coloration, beautifully folded oral disc, and densely textured tentacles, the Purple Gigantea Carpet Anemone makes an extraordinary centerpiece for an established marine aquarium.

This species is best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide strong reef lighting, appropriate water movement, stable water chemistry, and sufficient space for its long-term 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 Purple Gigantea Carpet Anemone is recommended for experienced aquarists with mature, well-established marine aquariums. This species is particularly sensitive to environmental instability and shipping stress. Excellent water quality, stable salinity, appropriate lighting, and reliable circulation are essential for long-term success.

Placement and Attachment: Stichodactyla gigantea naturally inhabits shallow sandy environments and reef-associated habitats. Provide a secure attachment location near the sand-rock interface, allowing the pedal disc to anchor firmly while the broad oral disc expands across the surrounding surface. Avoid unnecessary movement once the anemone has established its preferred location.

Lighting and Water Flow: This photosynthetic species benefits from strong reef lighting to support its symbiotic dinoflagellates. Acclimate gradually to changes in lighting intensity. Provide moderate to strong, broad, indirect water movement that promotes water exchange and allows the oral disc to move naturally. Avoid concentrated streams that continuously displace or damage the tissue.

Feeding and Nutrition: Photosynthesis supplies 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 appropriately sized marine foods can provide additional nutrition. Avoid oversized food items, excessive feeding, and uneaten food accumulation.

Compatibility: Gigantea Carpet Anemones possess extremely 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 vulnerable fish and invertebrates.

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

Handling and Safety: Avoid unnecessary direct contact with the tentacles, which can adhere strongly to skin and cause irritation. Never forcibly detach an attached anemone from its substrate, as damage to the pedal disc can compromise its health. Protect pump and wavemaker intakes, particularly during acclimation or relocation.

Long-Term Care: Healthy specimens generally maintain secure attachment, regular oral disc expansion, and normal feeding responses. Persistent deflation, tissue deterioration, prolonged mouth gaping, or loss of attachment may indicate stress or illness. Because this species is especially vulnerable following transportation, careful observation during the initial acclimation period is important.