Anemone : Chicago Sunburst

Bubble-tip anemones, or Entacmaea Quadricolor, are in the Actiniidae family.  Anemones have a foot located at its bottom to which it holds onto racks or sand.  They are distinguished by the bulb at the end of their tentacles.  If the tentacles are stretched out so it’s harder to see the bulb, the Bubble-tip is struggling and may need more light or food.  Although not the case with other Actiniidae members, Bubble-tips will host clown fish.  This symbiotic relationship is good for both and adds an interesting element to any saltwater reef tank. The Chicago Sunburst Anemone is highly desired in the hobby due to its strong coloration with its contrasting orange shades against the blue-green base and its line markings.   Anemones generally like moderate to high light (150 – 250 par, even up to 350 par).  Unlike corals, which tend to like a certain range of light intensity, members of the same type of Anemone will like different things.  One may flourish in high par light (more like 300 – 3