Maxi-min Carpet Anemone

Maxi-Mini Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum) – Description & Care Guide

The Maxi-Mini Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum) is a stunning, hardy, and relatively small species of carpet anemone. Popular for its vibrant colors and smaller size, it's a favorite for nano and mid-sized reef tanks. Unlike larger carpet anemones, it poses less risk to tankmates—but still requires specific care.

Basic Description

• Scientific Name: Stichodactyla tapetum

• Common Names: Maxi-Mini Carpet Anemone, Mini Carpet Anemone

• Appearance:

  • Round, flat oral disc with short, sticky tentacles

  • Comes in bright colors—green, red, blue, orange, purple, and patterned morphs

  • Typically has a visible mouth in the center

• Size: Grows up to 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) in diameter

• Origin: Indo-Pacific, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines

• Placement Tip: Place it on rockwork or coarse substrate; it may move until it finds a comfortable spot. Use a mesh barrier if you want to limit movement temporarily.

Lighting & Flow

• Lighting: Moderate to high PAR (~150–250) is ideal for vibrant color and health

• Flow: Moderate, irregular flow is best—enough to bring food but not blast the tentacles

Feeding

• Natural Feeding: Photosynthesis via symbiotic zooxanthellae

• Supplemental Feeding (1–2x per week):

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Chopped raw shrimp or fish

  • Silversides (small pieces only)

  • Reef-safe frozen carnivore foods

Note: Don’t overfeed—it can lead to poor water quality or stress the anemone.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Aggression: Semi-aggressive; has a strong sting

  • May sting or eat small fish, shrimp, or corals that wander too close

  • Can damage neighboring corals if too close

• Clownfish Hosting: Occasionally hosts clownfish, but not consistently (especially not larger species like Amphiprion ocellaris)

• Tankmates: Best with fish and inverts that don’t perch on or approach it

Reproduction & Movement

• Can reproduce asexually (splitting), though less frequently in home aquariums

• May move around tank when conditions are not ideal (light, flow, space)