Anemones...Is There Such Thing as Overfeeding?

[slimbolen99]

I have two anemones. Both I believe to be bubble tips. I have been feeding everyday a single tiger barb (freshwater fish) or guppy. Both are full grown fish, which I've been raising. The tiger barbs are about a 1 and 1/2 inches long, and the guppies are about the same size, but not as tall.

Here's a picture of my two anemones...the first is about the size of a baseball, the second is the size of a softball.

Neither one has refused any of the food, but I'm not sure how often I should feed.

[bpoore89]

Im pretty sure the first one is a Sebae

[Vitaly]

How long have you had the in in the first/top picture? It looks like a bleached anemone...but I could be wrong.

To answer your question about feeding frequency...I know from experience that an overfed anemone or one that receives a large piece of food can spit/regurgitate the food.

I personally witnessed this when I accidentally fed a large piece of krill to my GBTA.

I have a couple of GBTA's in my tank that are hosted by clowns. I target feed my GBTA's about once a week and allow them to capture food from the water column the rest of the week. From what I have read this seem to be what most people with BTA's do.

You may consider seeking feedback from the Anemones and Clownfish forum as well.

Good luck.

[slimbolen99]

I've had both for a little over two weeks...my camera is really bad and doesn't really show a true representation of the anemones. The top one is more pink during the day and green during the night. The bottom one is pretty much always orange/pinkish.

On the top picture, on the left side, is what I was sold as a "spikey mushroom coral". Not sure on that specific name.

[Vitaly]

The specimen that you sold is also commonly referred to as a "Green Hairy Mushroom" (Rhodactis indosinensis).

Additionally, I am not sure of the cost associated with feeding freshwater barbs or guppies...but I have had great success feeding Frozen Krill and Formula II (Frozen Cubes) to my GBTA's. Additionally, you may want to ensure some dietary variety for your anemones.

Just something to consider in the long run.

[slimbolen99]

Thanks Vitaly for the ID.

I have about 300 baby juveniles at any given time, and about 50 tiger barb juveniles, so I don't think I'll run out of those anytime soon.

In addition, I feed the fish in my tank cubes of frozen mysis shrimp, frozen planton, and frozen brine shrimp. I don't ever feed flakes or pellets to my saltwater fish.

[Potsy]

No need to feed it daily, epecially if you're feeding full sized fish. I used to feed mine mysis once a week and it grew rapidly.

If the anemone is full, it simply won't accept the food. It might snatch it up but will eventually let it drop.

[ahullsb]

I feed about twice a week.