Red Splashed Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone

The Red Splashed Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum) is a brilliantly colored marine anemone prized for its intricate patterns, compact growth, and striking contrast of vivid colors.

This exceptional specimen features a carpet of lime-green tentacles surrounding a spectacular oral disc decorated with intense crimson-red patches, golden-yellow radial markings, and subtle lavender-gray accents. The red pigmentation appears in irregular splashes across the disc, creating a dramatic mosaic pattern that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding green tentacles.

The outer margins display clusters of elongated, pale-green tentacles, while the inner disc is covered with numerous short, rounded tentacles that give the anemone its distinctive textured appearance. A warm yellow central area surrounding the mouth adds another attractive detail to this remarkable specimen.

Native to tropical Indo-Pacific marine environments, Stichodactyla tapetum is a photosynthetic sea anemone that maintains a symbiotic relationship with microscopic dinoflagellates within its tissues. These organisms provide an important source of nutrition through photosynthesis, while the anemone can also capture small marine prey using specialized stinging cells called nematocysts.

Unlike larger carpet anemone species, Maxi Mini Carpet Anemones generally remain relatively compact. Their manageable size, unusual coloration, and fascinating textures make them attractive additions to established reef aquariums, provided adequate space is maintained between the anemone and neighboring livestock.

The Red Splashed Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone is an outstanding choice for aquarists seeking a distinctive combination of brilliant red coloration, fluorescent green tentacles, and intricate natural patterns.

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 Splashed Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone is best maintained in a mature marine aquarium with consistent water chemistry, appropriate illumination, and reliable filtration. Stable environmental conditions are particularly important during acclimation, as sudden changes in temperature, salinity, or lighting can cause stress.

Placement and Attachment: Provide stable rockwork with protected crevices where the anemone can securely attach its pedal disc. Once established, it typically spreads its colorful oral disc across nearby surfaces. Allow adequate room for expansion and avoid positioning the anemone where it may contact neighboring corals.

Lighting and Water Flow: This species contains symbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates that contribute to its nutritional needs. Moderate reef lighting is a reasonable starting point, with gradual adjustments according to the specimen's response. Gentle to moderate, indirect circulation helps maintain water exchange without continuously folding or displacing the oral disc.

Feeding and Nutrition: Photosynthesis contributes to the anemone's energy requirements, while captured prey supplies additional nutrients. Offer occasional small portions of thawed mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine shrimp, or similar appropriately sized marine foods. Avoid excessive feeding and remove uneaten food to maintain water quality.

Compatibility: Maxi Mini Carpet Anemones possess adhesive tentacles containing stinging cells. Contact can damage neighboring corals and may pose a risk to small fish or mobile invertebrates. Maintain adequate separation from other aquarium inhabitants. Unlike certain larger carpet anemones, Stichodactyla tapetum is not recognized as a natural clownfish host.

Handling and Safety: Avoid unnecessary handling and never forcibly pull an attached anemone from rockwork. Damage to the pedal disc can compromise its health. Use suitable tools when relocation is necessary, and protect exposed pump intakes if the anemone begins moving.

Long-Term Care: Healthy specimens generally maintain secure attachment, regular oral disc expansion, and normal feeding responses. Persistent contraction, tissue deterioration, loss of attachment, or prolonged mouth gaping may indicate stress. Color intensity and tentacle expansion may vary with lighting and environmental conditions.