Purple Haddoni Carpet Anemone

The Purple Haddoni Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni) is a spectacular marine anemone admired for its vibrant coloration, distinctive textured surface, and fascinating natural relationship with clownfish.

This beautiful specimen features a stunning combination of rich violet, lavender, and magenta-purple tentacles covering its broad, deeply folded oral disc. Thousands of short, rounded tentacles create a richly textured appearance, with particularly dense clusters of bright purple tentacles concentrated along the raised folds and outer margins.

The central portions of the oral disc display softer beige and lavender tones with delicate radial markings, providing a striking contrast to the vivid purple tentacles. Its thick, pale-colored column is visible beneath the folded disc, highlighting the substantial structure of this remarkable anemone.

Native to tropical Indo-Pacific waters, Stichodactyla haddoni is a large carpet anemone commonly found in sandy and sediment-rich reef environments. It typically anchors its pedal disc beneath the substrate while extending its broad oral disc across the surrounding sand.

Like other photosynthetic sea anemones, S. haddoni maintains a symbiotic relationship with microscopic dinoflagellates living within its tissues. These organisms provide an important source of energy through photosynthesis, while the anemone supplements its nutrition by capturing marine prey with its adhesive, stinging tentacles.

Haddoni Carpet Anemones are also natural hosts for certain clownfish species. Their densely packed tentacles provide shelter for compatible clownfish, creating a fascinating example of marine symbiosis.

With its brilliant purple coloration, intricate folds, and distinctive carpet-like texture, the Purple Haddoni Carpet Anemone makes an extraordinary centerpiece for a spacious, established 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 Purple Haddoni Carpet Anemone is best maintained by experienced aquarists in a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, suitable lighting, and reliable filtration. Because this species can attain a substantial size, adequate space and careful aquarium planning are essential for long-term success.

Placement and Attachment: Stichodactyla haddoni naturally inhabits sandy and sediment-rich environments. Provide a substantial sand bed with a secure attachment surface beneath or adjacent to the substrate. The anemone typically conceals its column and pedal disc while extending its broad oral disc across the surrounding sand. Avoid placing it directly on exposed rockwork as its intended permanent location.

Lighting and Water Flow: This species relies partly on photosynthesis for its energy requirements. Provide moderate to high reef lighting, with gradual acclimation to changes in intensity. Gentle to moderate, indirect water circulation is generally appropriate. Avoid strong, concentrated currents that continuously lift or fold the oral disc.

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

Compatibility: Haddoni Carpet Anemones possess extremely adhesive tentacles containing powerful stinging cells. They can capture and consume fish and other aquarium animals that accidentally contact their oral discs. Provide substantial separation from neighboring corals and avoid housing this species with vulnerable bottom-dwelling fish or small invertebrates.

Clownfish Associations: Stichodactyla haddoni naturally hosts several clownfish species, including Clark's Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii) and Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus). Not every clownfish species naturally associates with this anemone, and individual hosting behavior can vary.

Handling and Safety: Avoid 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 responsive feeding behavior. Temporary contraction may occur naturally, but persistent deflation, tissue deterioration, prolonged mouth gaping, or loss of attachment can indicate stress. Monitor growth carefully and maintain sufficient space as the anemone matures.