Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, sourcing, and tankmate intelligence on Rock Flower Anemone - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team and cross-verified against vendor records on the live marketplace.
Rock Flower Anemone (Phymanthus crucifer) 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 Rock Flower Anemone comes from
Rock Flower Anemone (Phymanthus crucifer) 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 Rock Flower 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.
Rock Flower Anemone tank size and setup
Rock Flower Anemone requires a minimum of 20 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (4 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Rock Flower 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 Rock Flower 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 Rock Flower Anemone depends on.
Rock Flower 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)
Rock Flower Anemone is sensitive to copper - never medicate the display tank with copper if Rock Flower Anemone is present. Stable parameters beat perfect parameters.
What Rock Flower Anemone eats
Rock Flower 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 Rock Flower Anemone appropriately for its size + activity level. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of water-quality crashes in tanks of all sizes.
Rock Flower Anemone tankmates and compatibility
Rock Flower 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 Rock Flower Anemone can share a tank but compete for food.
Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Rock Flower Anemone and similar species.
Rock Flower Anemone adult size and lifespan
Rock Flower Anemone reaches 4 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10-20 years with proper care. Many marine inverts molt periodically; provide adequate calcium and a stable parameter regime to support healthy molts.
Can you breed Rock Flower Anemone?
Rock Flower 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 Rock Flower Anemone diseases and problems
Rock Flower Anemone is sensitive to copper, ammonia spikes, low oxygen, and rapid parameter swings. NEVER use copper medications in a tank with Rock Flower Anemone. Symptoms of stress: reclusive behavior, color loss, refusal to feed, abnormal molting (incomplete or stuck molts). Most Rock Flower 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 Rock Flower Anemone online
Rock Flower 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 Rock Flower 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.
Rock Flower Anemone FAQ
What size tank does the Rock Flower Anemone need?
Rock Flower Anemone requires a minimum of 20 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (4 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Rock Flower 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.
Is the Rock Flower Anemone hard to keep?
The Rock Flower Anemone needs a tank of at least 20 gallons, a temperature of 76-80°F (24-27°C) and pH 8.1-8.4. Adults reach about 4 inches and live 10-20 years. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.
What water parameters does the Rock Flower Anemone need?
Rock Flower 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) Rock Flower Anemone is sensitive to copper - never medicate the display tank with copper if Rock Flower Anemone is present.
What does the Rock Flower Anemone eat?
Rock Flower 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 Rock Flower Anemone appropriately for its size + activity level.
What are good tankmates for the Rock Flower Anemone?
Rock Flower 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 Rock Flower Anemone can share a tank but compete for food. Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Rock Flower Anemone and similar species.
How big does the Rock Flower Anemone get and how long does it live?
Rock Flower Anemone reaches 4 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10-20 years with proper care. Many marine inverts molt periodically; provide adequate calcium and a stable parameter regime to support healthy molts. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (4 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern.
What are common problems with the Rock Flower Anemone?
Rock Flower Anemone is sensitive to copper, ammonia spikes, low oxygen, and rapid parameter swings. NEVER use copper medications in a tank with Rock Flower Anemone. Symptoms of stress: reclusive behavior, color loss, refusal to feed, abnormal molting (incomplete or stuck molts). Most Rock Flower Anemone deaths trace back to acclimation shock or parameter mismatch - drip-acclimate over 45-60 minutes when adding to a new tank.
Where does the Rock Flower Anemone come from in the wild?
Rock Flower Anemone (Phymanthus crucifer) 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 Rock Flower 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.
Related saltwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Rock Flower Anemone taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.