Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Family Hormathiidae

Calliactis polypus

(Forsskal 1775)

Hermit Crab Anemone

Not Reef Tank Suitable

Not Suitable for Fish-Only Tank

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Size: 2 inches (5 cm)

Natural Environment: Lives singly on the shell of hermit crabs, such as those in the Dardanus genus, which are found in bays, coves and harbors at shallow depths.

Aquarium Suitability: Not individually collected for the trade, yet may show up attached to a hermit crab, such as mentioned above. Nevertheless, these small anemones are usually far-gone by the time hermit crabs of this genus make it to market. If available, would require once a week feeding of meaty foods.

Taxonomy:

    Kingdom: Animalia

    Phylum: Cnidaria

    Class: Anthozoa

    Order: Actiniaria

    Family: Hormathiidae

    Genus: Calliactis

FYI: Has a temperature range of 72 to 83°F (22 - 28°C).

Shown here for identification only and truly a species better left in the wild.

 Calliactis polypus (Hermit Crab Anemone)
Photo © edge-of-reef.com
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