Rock Flower Anemone

Rock Flower Anemone (Phymanthus crucifer) – Description & Care Guide

The Rock Flower Anemone is a hardy, non-aggressive, and vividly colored anemone ideal for beginner to advanced reef aquarists. Known for its stunning, flower-like appearance and relative stability, it’s a popular addition to reef tanks for both aesthetic and functional purposes.

Basic Description

• Scientific Name: Phymanthus crucifer

• Common Names: Rock Flower Anemone, Flower Anemone, Sea Anemone

• Appearance:

  • Disc-shaped with short, rounded or petal-like tentacles

  • Comes in vivid colors—neon green, red, orange, pink, purple, and rainbow morphs

  • Center mouth may be brightly contrasting in color

• Size: Up to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in diameter

• Origin: Caribbean and Western Atlantic

Placement Tip: Prefers sand bed or rocky crevices. Once it attaches its foot, it usually stays in place.

Lighting & Flow

• Lighting: Moderate to high—supports zooxanthellae for photosynthesis

• Flow: Moderate, non-blasting flow. Too strong and it may retract or move

Feeding

• Natural Feeding: Photosynthesis (via symbiotic algae)

• Supplemental Feeding (Optional but Encouraged):

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Chopped fish or shrimp

  • Reef-safe frozen foods

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per week

Tip: Feeding can promote growth and help it recover from stress or shipping.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Aggression: Low—tentacles have a mild sting; won't harm most corals unless touching

• Clownfish Hosting: Generally does not host clownfish

• Tankmates:

  • Reef-safe fish, corals, and inverts

  • Avoid aggressive or anemone-eating fish (e.g., large wrasses, butterflyfish)

Reproduction & Movement

• Movement: Rarely moves once settled

• Reproduction: Can reproduce sexually or asexually (splitting); not frequent in home tanks