Symbiotic Colonial Anemones
Parazoanthus franciscae
Soft, colonial reef polyps that thrive in low light and live symbiotically.
About
Found in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the northeastern Atlantic, including off the coasts of Denmark and Norway, symbiotic colonial anemones (Parazoanthus franciscae) are a genuinely unusual addition to the reef aquarium. These colonial zoanthids typically grow encrusting mats of small polyps that expand to feed and contract when disturbed, much like their tropical cousins. The 'symbiotic' part of the name hints at something interesting: in the wild, this species often associates closely with other invertebrates, using them as a substrate or living in close partnership with sponges. That cold-water origin is worth keeping in mind, as it tells you something about the conditions where this animal thrives. It is not a sun-soaker. Give it low, indirect lighting and moderate water movement rather than the high-intensity reef setups suited to SPS corals. Because of its temperate origins and specific flow and lighting preferences, this one is better suited to a keeper who already has some experience dialing in water quality and flow patterns. It is reef safe and won't bother tankmates, but it does ask that you understand its needs before committing.
Similar species
Other coral you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Symbiotic Colonial Anemones
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Symbiotic Colonial Anemones aggressive?
- The Symbiotic Colonial Anemones is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- Is the Symbiotic Colonial Anemones reef safe?
- The Symbiotic Colonial Anemones is generally considered reef safe.