Beaded Anemone

The Beaded Anemone (Heteractis aurora) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its unique beaded tentacles, soft brown to greenish coloration, and striking purple-tipped tentacles that add texture and movement to reef aquariums.

Males typically show no distinct external differences from females, while juveniles are smaller and may appear less vibrant until mature. They reach about 12–18 inches when fully expanded and should be housed in aquariums of at least 50 gallons.

Provide a deep sandbed and plenty of live rock for anchoring, stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and ensure moderate to strong lighting with gentle to moderate water flow. Unlike fish, anemones do not jump, but they can wander, so aquascaping should prevent them from stinging corals or being pulled into pumps.

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, and occasional pellet supplements, though they also rely heavily on symbiotic zooxanthellae for nutrition under strong reef lighting. With proper care, this anemone makes a standout centerpiece addition to the aquarium, often hosting clownfish species that naturally bond with it in the wild.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.