Originally Posted by i love fish
How can i spot a healthy anenome when i come to buy one and how do i QT it? Also, how can i tell if it becomes sick?
One more question, can anenomes be lifted out of the water (ie- when taking it out of the shipping bag to place in aquarium)
thanks
A healthy anemone is one that has good color, its is not bleached or transparent. Keep in mind there is no such thing as a healthy white anemone and when I say white I mean bleach white. Tenticles should be sticky this is always a good indicator of a healthy anemone. It is normal for them to be deflated at times but 90% of the time if the lights are on they should be fully inflated. Its should have a nice brown color to its disk and foot. Other than carpets, neon or bright colored anemones are typically dyed specimines and are recomended to avoid. The Rose BTA has different variations to its rose color, however there are no neon greens or purple BTA's. Their mouths should be tightly closed, and never gaping open. Its more of a sphinter muscle and when it eats it will appear to wrap around the food not let it fall in.
If it becomes sick there are a few indicators. First staying deflated for an extended period of time. Either it is preparing to split, has eatin a large meal ( also stressful) or it is not doing well, observation is key. Tenticles no longer sticky, mouth wide open. Expelling its inestines, (yes it looks like you would imagine) transparent in color and or refusing food over a period of time. These are all signs of a failing anemone.
Anemones should not be lifted out of the water. It may not kill them but it can stress them more than they are already.
IMO I wouldnt QT an anemone not many hitchikers will stay attached to an animal like that. And changing tanks in a short period of time may actually hurt more than help. These animals can take up to 2 weeks just to acclimate themselves. Hope this helps.
