Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Maxi Mini Anemone - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Maxi Mini Anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum) is a marine invertebrate kept by aquarists for reef-tank cleanup, biological control of pests, or aesthetic display. Hardy and forgiving of typical beginner mistakes when given proper water chemistry.
Where Maxi Mini Anemone comes from
Maxi Mini Anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems, with wild populations distributed across coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and rocky tide pools. Captive specimens are typically wild-collected; some species are starting to be aquacultured but most Maxi Mini Anemone sold today still comes from wild reef collection. Sustainable sourcing matters - look for vendors who can verify their collection practices, and consider aquacultured alternatives when available.
Maxi Mini Anemone tank size and setup
Maxi Mini Anemone requires a minimum of 10 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (2 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Maxi Mini Anemone sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.
For a Maxi Mini Anemone setup: mature reef tank with stable parameters, live rock for cover, sandbed substrate (1-2"), reef-grade lighting if photosynthetic, and a fully-cycled biological filter at least 6 weeks old. Newly-cycled tanks under 6 weeks crash the parameters that Maxi Mini Anemone depends on.
Maxi Mini Anemone requires standard reef parameters held tightly stable: Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C) Specific gravity: 1.025 (refractometer-measured) pH: 8.1-8.4 Alkalinity: 8-9 dKH Calcium: 420-450 ppm Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 10 ppm Copper: 0 (lethal to invertebrates)
Maxi Mini Anemone is sensitive to copper - never medicate the display tank with copper if Maxi Mini Anemone is present. Stable parameters beat perfect parameters.
What Maxi Mini Anemone eats
Maxi Mini Anemone is a photosynthetic + occasional feeding. Powered primarily by photosynthesis through symbiotic zooxanthellae living in the tissue. Supplemental feeding of reef foods supports faster growth but is optional once light + parameters are dialed in. Feed Maxi Mini Anemone appropriately for its size + activity level. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Maxi Mini Anemone tankmates and compatibility
Maxi Mini Anemone is generally peaceful and compatible with most reef community species. Avoid keeping with predatory fish that view inverts as food: large wrasses (especially halichoeres + thalassoma), triggerfish, pufferfish, and certain large angelfish. Multiple Maxi Mini Anemone can share a tank but compete for food.
Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Maxi Mini Anemone and similar species.
Maxi Mini Anemone adult size and lifespan
Maxi Mini Anemone reaches 2 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-10 years with proper care. Many marine inverts molt periodically; provide adequate calcium and a stable parameter regime to support healthy molts.
Can you breed Maxi Mini Anemone?
Maxi Mini Anemone breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward (some shrimp, snails) to nearly impossible (most starfish, urchins) due to pelagic larval requirements. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities; check with vendors before assuming wild-caught origin.
Common Maxi Mini Anemone diseases and problems
Maxi Mini Anemone is sensitive to copper, ammonia spikes, low oxygen, and rapid parameter swings. NEVER use copper medications in a tank with Maxi Mini Anemone. Symptoms of stress: reclusive behavior, color loss, refusal to feed, abnormal molting (incomplete or stuck molts). Most Maxi Mini Anemone deaths trace back to acclimation shock or parameter mismatch - drip-acclimate over 45-60 minutes when adding to a new tank.
Where to buy Maxi Mini Anemone online
Maxi Mini Anemone is sold at LFS (local fish stores), online retailers, and direct from breeders/wholesalers. Pricing varies widely by source, size, and quality:
Browse live Maxi Mini Anemone from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping (FedEx Priority + UPS Next Day), climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims. Captive-bred or aquacultured specimens cost more upfront but arrive healthier and integrate faster.
Maxi Mini Anemone FAQ
How big does Maxi Mini Anemone get?
2 inches at adulthood within 12-24 months.
How long does Maxi Mini Anemone live?
5-10 years with proper care.
What is the minimum tank/pond size?
10 gallons, with larger systems strongly recommended.
Is Maxi Mini Anemone hard to keep?
Maxi Mini Anemone is rated beginner difficulty.
What does Maxi Mini Anemone eat?
Maxi Mini Anemone is a photosynthetic + occasional feeding; appropriate diet matches its natural feeding pattern.
Maxi Mini Anemone taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.