Purple Tube Anemone (Cerianthus membranaceus)

The Purple Tube Anemone is a captivating addition to marine aquariums, known for its striking purple tentacles and graceful, flowing appearance. Unlike traditional anemones, the Purple Tube Anemone lives within a soft, tube-like structure that it buries in the substrate, with only its tentacles extending out to capture food. This unique anemone adds movement and color to the tank but requires specific conditions and careful handling due to its delicate nature and semi-aggressive behavior.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Tentacles can extend up to 12 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; a tank with a deep sandy substrate is recommended for burrowing.
• Diet: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Target feeding a couple of times per week is recommended to ensure proper nutrition.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Semi-aggressive; its long tentacles can sting nearby corals and other tankmates if placed too close. This anemone should be given ample space from other invertebrates to prevent accidental stings.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced; requires stable water conditions, careful placement, and regular feedings to thrive.
• Reef Compatibility: With caution; while it does not harm corals directly, its tentacles can sting neighboring inhabitants, so careful placement and space are essential.

Special Requirement - Deep Substrate and Ample Space
The Purple Tube Anemone requires a deep sandy substrate to anchor its tube securely. This anemone can extend its long tentacles outward, so it’s important to place it in a low-traffic area of the tank to prevent it from stinging nearby corals or invertebrates. Moderate water flow will help its tentacles move naturally without overstressing the anemone.

Compatibility
The Purple Tube Anemone is best suited for fish-only or low-traffic reef tanks where its tentacles have space to extend without harming other inhabitants. It can cohabit peacefully with fish that won’t disturb its tentacles or attempt to eat it, but keep it away from other invertebrates that could be stung.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Purple Tube Anemone has vibrant, dark purple to blue tentacles that extend from a white or cream-colored tube. Its unique coloration and flowing tentacles make it a visually striking addition to the aquarium​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found in the Indo-Pacific region, the Purple Tube Anemone inhabits sandy or muddy substrates on the edges of coral reefs. It burrows into the substrate, with only its tentacles exposed to capture food and defend its territory.