Elephant Ear Anemone
Amplexidiscus fenestrafer
Also known as: giant cup mushroom coral, giant disc anemone, giant elephant's ear anemone, giant elephant's ear mushroom coral, giant flower coral
The giant mushroom coral that folds shut to trap and digest whole fish.
About
The elephant ear anemone (Amplexidiscus fenestrafer) is one of the more unusual residents you can keep in a reef tank, and one of the few corals that actively preys on fish. Found across the Central Indo-Pacific, including Indonesian and Papua New Guinean waters, it grows into a broad, fleshy disc that can reach nearly a foot across at full size. The hunting strategy is almost surreal to watch: the animal spreads out flat like a soft, inviting platform, and when a small fish wanders onto it, the edges curl upward to engulf the prey entirely. This is worth keeping in mind if you're planning a community reef with small, bottom-dwelling fish or gobies that might rest on flat surfaces. Despite that carnivorous twist, it carries a beginner-friendly reputation in terms of basic care. It prefers calmer water with subdued lighting, making it well-suited to areas of the tank that don't get blasted by flow or intense reef lighting. Given time and stable conditions, this animal can live for decades, so it's genuinely a long-term commitment. For a large-polyp softie with some real personality and a predatory side, it's a genuinely interesting choice.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Elephant Ear Anemone get?
- The Elephant Ear Anemone reaches about 10–12" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Elephant Ear Anemone need?
- A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for the Elephant Ear Anemone.
- What water parameters does the Elephant Ear Anemone need?
- The Elephant Ear Anemone does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Elephant Ear Anemone aggressive?
- The Elephant Ear Anemone is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Elephant Ear Anemone eat?
- The Elephant Ear Anemone is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Elephant Ear Anemone live?
- With good care, the Elephant Ear Anemone typically lives 12-25 years.
- Is the Elephant Ear Anemone reef safe?
- The Elephant Ear Anemone is generally considered reef safe.