Haddon's Carpet Anemone

About

Haddon's carpet anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni) is one of the largest anemone species available to reef keepers, capable of spreading to an impressive diameter that can easily overwhelm a smaller tank. Found across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea through to the waters around Australia and Japan, it typically settles into sandy or rubble substrates in shallow lagoons and protected reef flats, burying its column deep while spreading its dense, stubby tentacles across the surface. The coloration runs from earthy browns and greens to occasional blue or purple morphs, often with a mottled saddle-like pattern across the oral disc. Which is where the "saddle" common name comes from. In the wild it hosts several clownfish species, and in captivity it is particularly well regarded as a host anemone, readily accepting Clarkii and other clownfish. Unlike some of its carpet relatives, Haddon's is considered a more forgiving choice for keepers new to anemones, as long as excellent water quality and strong, appropriate lighting are maintained. It needs a spacious, stable system and a sandy area to anchor into. Handle it with caution. The tentacles carry a potent sting that can affect sensitive skin.