Write-Up Wednesday: Rock Flower Anemones (Epicystis crucifer)

Rock Flower anemones (Epicystis crucifer) are an under appreciated gem in the reef tank world. They tend to stay smaller in size, come in a variety of colors and mostly stay where you place them. Adding to their likability factor, rock flower anemones generally stay at the rock/substrate border so you SPS fans don’t need to worry about your favorite acropora sp. getting stung to death.

I’ve seen these anemones come in just about every variety and combination of colors – red, green, grey, blue and the occasional yellow. The oral disc (center of the anemone) is usually one color while the tentacles are another.

These anemones are very hardy and can thrive in moderate lighting. They make a nice addition to a pico or nano tank and several of these anemones can be placed close together without worry of them stinging each other. Looking to create an anemone tank or a garden of anemones? Rock flowers are right up your alley.

If you’re a shrimp fan like Dr. Tobey, then your sexy shrimp will often setup camp in rock flower anemones like shown in this picture. While the anemone won’t eat the shrimp, they could take down a sick or dying fish. However, if the fish is healthy, it will easily escape the sting of a rock flower anemone.

Lastly, most rock flower anemones come from the carribbean so if you SCUBA dive or snorkel in southern Florida, you can observe these anemones in their natural habitat.

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