BTA
From ReefPedia
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[edit] Bubble Tipped Anemone (BTA)Scientific Name Entamacea quadricolor Common Name Bubble tipped anemone Max. Size: Can spread to 18 inches Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons Aggression: Don't place close to other corals and anemones. Hardiness: One of the more hardy for aquarium care Reef-Safe: May be stung by corals, and possible harm corals Available as captive-bred: Often clones available Hitchhiker? No |
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Physical Description
The Bubble Tip Anemone is one of the smaller clownfish hosting anemones. It comes in a variety of color morphs such as the rose variety, and the green variety. These are more expensive then the regular tan morph. It will can have bubble tips, or they can disappear. Some people believe that this is due the lighting or water conditions in the tank, or the age of the specimen. We do not know for sure, at this time.
Distribution
Fiji, Singapore, Tonga
Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About
- Genus: Entamacea
- Species: quadricolor
Behavior
They are fairly aggressive and will move where they want to, regardless of where you want them.
Feeding
Mostly dependent on light, but often requires some small meaty supplements weekly
Breeding
These anemones will often split under the right conditions. Ironically, they will also split if put under extremely stressful conditions as a survival instinct. This method of reproduction, however, is not recommended.
They can also be propagated by taking a clean razor and slicing the animal in half. Ideally the mouth would be cut and have halves on each side. This however is extremely stressfull on the animal and should only be attempted on a very healthy specimen and by an experianced hobbyist.
Social Structure
(ADD HERE)
Additional Notes
Red morph known as the "Rose BTA" was once rare and expensive. However, it has been captive-bred extensively and is now fairly common. Still sought-after for its beautiful color.
BTA's are infamous for getting caught in pumps and powerheads as they move about the tank. This often results in death for the anemone. It is best to use some type of foam or protective covering over pump intakes. They will also become caught in overflows, which can also be harmful.
Image courtesy: www.120gallons.com
BTA's should be fed once or twice every week or two when they are out and able to be fed. The rest of the time let them be. You can't control where they end up. They will stop in a place they are happy.
