Neon Tube Anemone - Cerianthus membranaceus
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The Tube Anemone (Cerianthus membranaceus) features long, flowing tentacles that can range from soft purples to greens, creating a mesmerizing display in your aquarium. Known for its gentle swaying motion, it adds both color and movement to a reef setup.
Tube Anemones (Cerianthus membranaceus) are stunning invertebrates prized for their long, flowing tentacles that shimmer in neon greens, blues, and purples. Their graceful, swaying movement adds dramatic motion and color to reef aquariums. Tube anemones are burrowing animals, spending most of their time partially hidden in their self-made tubes, making them fascinating and low-maintenance display creatures.
Description:
Common Names: Neon Tube Anemone, Tube Anemone
Scientific Name: Cerianthus membranaceus
Family: Cerianthidae
Temperament: Semi-aggressive (long stinging tentacles can harm nearby corals)
Difficulty: Moderate
Native Habitat & Distribution:
Found throughout the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean, typically in sandy or muddy substrates where they burrow and construct protective tubes.
Aquarium Care & Setup:
Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
Flow: Moderate, avoid strong currents that can displace the tube
Lighting: Low to moderate; they do not require intense light
Placement: Sandbed or deep substrate for burrowing; avoid rocky or hard surfaces that impede tube construction
Care Tips & Feeding:
• Feeding: Carnivorous – accepts small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or chopped seafood 2–3 times per week
• Growth Pattern: Stationary burrowers that extend long tentacles for feeding
• Tankmates: Compatible with peaceful reef fish and invertebrates; avoid placing near stony or soft corals that may be stung
• Behavior: Expands tentacles mostly at night for feeding; retreats into its tube when threatened
Are Neon Tube Anemones easy to keep?
Yes, they are moderately hardy if provided deep substrate and stable water parameters.
What lighting do Neon Tube Anemones need?
Low to moderate lighting is ideal; they do not require intense light.
Do Neon Tube Anemones need feeding?
Yes, they are carnivorous and benefit from small meaty feedings 2–3 times per week.
Where should I place Neon Tube Anemones in my tank?
On a deep sandbed or soft substrate where they can burrow safely.
How fast do Neon Tube Anemones grow?
They grow slowly, extending longer tentacles as they mature.
Are Neon Tube Anemones aggressive?
Semi-aggressive; they can sting corals and other sessile invertebrates if tentacles reach them.
