Orange Tube Anemone Marine Invertebrate

Orange Tube Anemone (Cerianthus Membranaceus)

$82.73

The Orange Tube Anemone (Cerianthus membranaceus) is a visually captivating marine invertebrate renowned for its vibrant, flowing orange tentacles and unique burrowing behavior. Unlike true sea anemones, this non-photosynthetic species constructs a protective fibrous tube deep within the substrate, displaying two distinct whorls of non-retractable tentacles for capturing food.

Ideal for dedicated saltwater aquariums with a deep sand bed, this predatory carnivore thrives on regular spot-feeding of meaty seafood such as mysis shrimp and chopped silversides. It adds dramatic movement and brilliant coloration to moderate-flow systems without requiring intense lighting.

Key Features

Scientific Name	Cerianthus membranaceus
Common Name	Orange Tube Anemone
Other Common Names	Coloured Tube Anemone, Cylinder Anemone, Tube Dwelling Anemone
Origin	Indo-Pacific, Mediterranean Sea, Northeastern Atlantic Ocean
Maximum Size	Up to 40 cm in the wild; 20-25 cm common in aquaria
Temperament	Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
Diet	Carnivore
Substrate Requirement	10-15 cm deep sand bed
Reef Safe	No
Care Level	Moderate
Lighting	Low to Moderate
Water Flow	Moderate

Highlights

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Cerianthus membranaceus
Primary Common Name: Orange Tube Anemone
Other Common Names: Coloured Tube Anemone, Cylinder Anemone, Tube Dwelling Anemone
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Mediterranean Sea, Northeastern Atlantic Ocean
Max Size (Oral Disc Diameter): Up to 16 inches (40 cm) in the wild; 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) common in aquaria
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory (Has a strong sting)
Diet: Carnivore (Requires spot-feeding)
Minimum Tank Size: 55+ Gallons (Must have a 4-6 inch deep sand bed)
Reef Compatibility: No (Will sting corals and eat small inverts)
Care Level: Moderate

Materials & care

Diet & Compatibility:

Diet: This anemone is a dedicated Carnivore and non-photosynthetic. It must be regularly fed to thrive. In the wild, it captures plankton, small crustaceans, and even small fish.
Feeding: It requires regular, supplemental spot-feeding of meaty foods. Feed a mix of mysis shrimp, finely chopped silversides, raw clam, or other meaty seafood several times per week. Target feed the anemone by placing the food directly onto the long tentacles.
Reef Compatibility: It is Not Reef Safe. While stationary once established in its tube, its tentacles possess a strong sting capable of killing and severely irritating corals and delicate invertebrates, particularly when the current causes the tentacles to sweep the surrounding area. It is best placed in a dedicated Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) system with ample space away from all corals.
Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Predatory. It is generally peaceful toward tankmates too large to be consumed, but it will sting and eat small, slow-moving fish (especially those that hover near the sand bed), ornamental shrimp, and small crabs.
Habitat Requirements: The most crucial requirement is a deep sand bed of fine, soft substrate, ideally 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep, to allow the anemone to construct and fully bury its protective tube. The anemone prefers Moderate to Low lighting and Moderate water flow, though it is highly adaptable and will usually find a shaded, comfortable spot in the sand.

Compatibility

Best kept in a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) system with plenty of open sand bed space. Not compatible with delicate corals, slow-moving bottom-dwelling fish, or small ornamental shrimp and crabs due to its potent sting and predatory nature.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Orange Tube Anemone eat?

It is a dedicated carnivore that requires regular spot-feeding with meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, raw clam, and finely chopped silversides several times per week.

Is the Orange Tube Anemone reef safe?

No, it is not considered reef safe because its tentacles possess a strong sting that can harm corals and capture small fish or ornamental invertebrates.

What kind of substrate is required?

It requires a deep sand bed of fine, soft substrate measuring 10 to 15 cm deep so it can fully construct and bury its protective tube.

Does this anemone require high-intensity lighting?

No, it is a non-photosynthetic species that prefers low to moderate lighting and relies entirely on regular feeding for its nutrition.

Important Fulfillment Information

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