Host Anemone Care Guide

Host anemones are famous for their symbiotic relationship with clownfish, but they’re considerably less forgiving than most coral and require a more mature, stable tank than beginners typically have.

Tank Maturity

Only add an anemone to a tank that’s been stable for at least six months to a year, since anemones are highly sensitive to swings in water quality that many coral can tolerate.

Lighting and Flow

Anemones need strong lighting to support their symbiotic algae, along with moderate, indirect flow that avoids battering their delicate tissue against rock or powerheads.

Do Clownfish Need One?

No — captive-bred clownfish, covered in our Clownfish Care Guide, thrive without ever hosting in an anemone, so don’t feel pressured to add one before your tank is ready.

Anemones Can Move

Unlike most coral, anemones can relocate themselves around the tank in search of ideal lighting and flow, so avoid placing powerhead intakes or stinging coral where a wandering anemone could be harmed.

Browse our corals & anemones selection once your tank is ready.