Red Mouth Green Haddoni Carpet Anemone

The Red Mouth Green Haddoni Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni) is a striking large-polyp sea anemone prized for its dense carpet of tentacles, vivid coloration, and remarkable natural beauty.

This exceptional specimen features an intensely colored lime-green oral disc covered with thousands of closely arranged, short tentacles. Its fluorescent green tentacles create a richly textured appearance, while subtle brownish-purple radial markings add depth and contrast throughout the disc. At the center, a brilliant magenta-red mouth provides a dramatic focal point against the surrounding green coloration.

Native to tropical Indo-Pacific waters, Stichodactyla haddoni is a large, photosynthetic carpet anemone commonly associated with sandy and sediment-rich reef environments. It typically anchors its pedal disc beneath the substrate, extending its broad oral disc across the sand to capture available light and passing prey.

Like other photosynthetic sea anemones, S. haddoni maintains a symbiotic relationship with microscopic dinoflagellates living within its tissues. These organisms supply an important source of energy through photosynthesis, while the anemone also captures marine prey using specialized stinging cells called nematocysts.

Haddoni Carpet Anemones are also recognized for their natural associations with certain clownfish species. Their dense tentacles can provide shelter for compatible clownfish, although hosting behavior varies among individual animals.

The Red Mouth Green Haddoni Carpet Anemone combines brilliant green fluorescence with a contrasting magenta-red center, making it a spectacular centerpiece for a spacious, mature saltwater 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 Red Mouth Green Haddoni Carpet Anemone is recommended for experienced aquarists with mature, stable marine aquariums. Because this species can grow considerably larger than many commonly kept anemones, sufficient aquarium space and careful planning are essential for long-term care.

Placement and Attachment: Unlike Bubble Tip Anemones, which generally attach to rockwork, Stichodactyla haddoni naturally inhabits sandy environments. Provide a substantial sand bed with a firm attachment surface beneath the substrate. The anemone typically buries its column and pedal disc while spreading its broad oral disc across the sand. Avoid placing it directly on exposed rockwork as its permanent intended location.

Lighting and Water Flow: Haddoni Carpet Anemones depend partly on photosynthesis for their nutritional requirements. Provide adequate reef lighting and allow the specimen to acclimate gradually to changes in intensity. Gentle to moderate, indirect circulation is preferable to strong, concentrated currents that continuously lift or fold the oral disc.

Feeding and Nutrition: Symbiotic dinoflagellates supply an important portion of the anemone's energy requirements. Supplemental feeding with small portions of thawed marine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or other suitable marine foods can provide additional nutrients. 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 the oral disc. Provide substantial separation from neighboring corals and avoid housing the anemone with vulnerable bottom-dwelling fish or small invertebrates. A species-focused aquarium or carefully planned clownfish-anemone display is preferable to a crowded mixed reef.

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 compatibility should be considered before introducing fish.

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

Long-Term Care: Healthy specimens typically maintain a secure attachment, expand their oral discs regularly, and display responsive feeding behavior. Temporary contraction can occur, but persistent deflation, tissue deterioration, prolonged mouth gaping, or loss of attachment may indicate stress. Monitor growth carefully and ensure that adequate space remains available as the anemone matures.