Mertens' Carpet Anemone

Mertens' Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla mertensii). It is a semi-aggressive species that is considered reef-safe with caution, admired for its massive size, bold coloration, unique carpet-like texture, and its role as a natural host for clownfish.

Males typically cannot be visually distinguished from females (sexes are not dimorphic in anemones), while juveniles are smaller, more mobile, and often settle onto rocks or sand before attaching permanently.

They can reach about 18–36 inches across (some reports up to 48"), and should be housed in aquariums of at least 150–200 gallons, though larger is strongly recommended due to their growth potential.

Provide ample live rock for attachment, a stable sandbed, strong lighting, and moderate to strong water flow. Stable water parameters are essential: salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, and pH ~8.1–8.4. Unlike fish, they will not jump, but they may wander until they find a secure spot, so corals should be placed carefully to prevent stinging interactions.

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, chopped fish, and other marine flesh, though many specimens also derive significant nutrition from photosynthesis via their symbiotic zooxanthellae.

With proper care, this striking anemone makes a showpiece addition to a large reef aquarium, especially when paired with hosting clownfish species.

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.