Stichodactyla tapetum – Mini Carpet Anemone
Stichodactyla tapetum was first described by Wilhelm Hemprich and Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg in 1834. This anemone belongs to the family Stichodactylidae, which consists of two genera: Stichodactyla and Heteractis. The genus Stichodactyla contains six species. The genus name Stichodactyla comes from the Greek “stichos” (row) and “dactylos” (finger), referring to the tentacles being placed in a row. The species name tapetum means “carpet” in Latin, which refers to the carpet-like appearance of the anemone.
Synonyms:
Actinia tapetum, Discosoma ambonensis, Discosoma tapetum, Discosomoides tapetum, Homactis rupicola, Isacmaea tapetum, Stoichactis ambonensis, Stoichactis australis, Stoichactis laevis, Stoichactis rupicola, Stoichactis tapetum.
Description
Appearance:
Stichodactyla tapetum has an oral disk covered with clusters of bump-like tentacles. The tentacles are usually green or brown, but can also be red, purple, and orange. The disk can reach a diameter of 6 to 10 centimeters, but some specimens can grow up to 20 centimeters.
Symbiosis:
This anemone lives in symbiosis with anemone crabs ( Thor amboinensis ) and anemone shrimps ( Periclimenes sp. ). The shrimps and crabs find protection among the anemone’s tentacles and help the anemone by removing parasites and food remains.
Zooxanthellae
The Mini Carpet Anemone contains zooxanthellae. Zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae that live in the anemone’s tissues and play an important role in their nutrition and color.
Role of Zooxanthellae
- Photosynthesis: Zooxanthellae perform photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. This process produces nutrients such as sugars, which are used by the anemone for growth and maintenance.
- Color: The presence of zooxanthellae contributes to the vibrant colors of the anemone. Insufficient light can cause the colors of the anemone to fade, but with sufficient lighting, the colors can bloom again.
Importance for the Aquarium
- Lighting: Because zooxanthellae require light for photosynthesis, strong lighting is essential for the well-being of the Stichodactyla tapetum in an aquarium. This not only helps with feeding but also in maintaining the anemone’s vibrant colors.
- Feeding: Although the anemone gets some of its nutrients from the zooxanthellae, it is also important to supplement the anemone with small pieces of fish, shrimp, and other meaty marine life.
In conclusion, the presence of zooxanthellae is crucial to the health and well-being of the Stichodactyla tapetum, and it is important to provide adequate lighting and supplemental nutrition in the aquarium.
Walking
This anemone can move by releasing its foot from the substrate and reattaching itself to another spot. This behavior is often observed when the anemone is not satisfied with its current location, for example, due to unfavorable light conditions, water flow, or other environmental factors. The anemone then walks to a spot that is more to its liking.
Displacement behavior:
- Frequency of Movement: Although the Mini Carpet Anemone can move, it does not do so constantly. Once settled in a preferred location, this anemone usually stays put.
- Reasons for Relocation: The anemone may relocate if it is unhappy with its current conditions, such as insufficient light, unsuitable water flow, or a lack of food.
Practical Tips for Aquarium Keepers:
- Aquarium Setup: Provide an aquarium with several sandy and rocky areas so the anemone can find a suitable location to settle.
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on the anemone after introduction to the aquarium. If it moves around a lot, this can be an indication that the current conditions are not optimal.
In conclusion, the Mini Carpet Anemone can move itself, but usually only does so when conditions are not ideal. Once settled in a suitable spot, it usually stays put.
Toxins
Stichodactyla tapetum can be poisonous to humans. While most sea anemones are relatively harmless to humans, some species within the family Stichodactylidae, including Stichodactyla tapetum, are known for their potentially dangerous venom.
How the Venom Works
The venom of the Stichodactyla tapetum contains several toxins that can have neurotoxic and cytotoxic effects. These toxins can cause the following symptoms:
- Pain and Burning Sensation: Direct contact with the tentacles may cause a burning sensation and pain on the skin.
- Swelling and Redness: The skin may become red and swollen at the site of contact.
- Systemic Reactions: In severe cases, the venom may cause systemic reactions such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and in rare cases anaphylactic shock.
Treatment at Contact
If you come into contact with the venom of the Stichodactyla tapetum, follow these steps:
- Medical Attention: Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or if signs of a systemic reaction occur, such as difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or anaphylactic shock.
- Rinse Areas with Seawater: Rinse affected skin immediately with seawater to remove any remaining nematocysts (stinging cells). Do not use fresh water as this may activate the nematocysts.
- Remove Tentacles: Use tweezers or another tool to carefully remove any remaining tentacles.
- Warm Water: Soak the affected area in warm water (not hot) for 30 to 90 minutes. Heat can help relieve pain by denaturing toxins.
- Painkillers: If necessary, take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the pain.
Prevention
- Handling Caution: Always wear gloves and use tools when handling this anemone.
- Education: Make sure that everyone who works with the aquarium is aware of the potential dangers and knows what to do in case of a sting.
In conclusion, while the Stichodactyla tapetum can be a beautiful addition to a marine aquarium, it is important to be careful when handling it due to its potentially dangerous venom. With the proper precautions and knowledge, serious incidents can be avoided.
Biotope
Distribution and Ecosystems:
Stichodactyla tapetum is found in the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, the east coast of Africa, the Great Barrier Reef, and southern Japan and Vietnam.
Natural Habitat:
This anemone is often found in tidal pools and near shore, where there is a lot of rock and coral. The bottom is usually sand and rocks, which gives the anemone the ability to attach itself firmly.
Diet
Diet in the Wild:
In the wild, Stichodactyla tapetum feeds on small fish, plankton, and other small marine animals.
Aquarium Feeding:
In the aquarium, this anemone should be fed regularly with small pieces of fresh fish, uncooked shrimp, Mysis, and brine shrimp. Large food particles are not well absorbed and can pollute the aquarium.
The Aquarium
Aquarium size:
An aquarium of at least 50 liters is suitable for one anemone. For multiple specimens, a larger aquarium is needed, depending on the number of anemones.
Decoration:
The aquarium should be set up with rocks and sand as substrate. The anemone likes a moderate to strong current and needs powerful lighting.
Water parameters:
The ideal water parameters are a temperature of 24-25°C, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a salinity of 1.023-1.025.
Compatibility:
This anemone can live well with anemone crabs, anemone shrimp, and other non-aggressive fish. It is not suitable for keeping with aggressive fish or other stinging anemones.
Reproduction
Reproduction in the Wild:
Stichodactyla tapetum can reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water, resulting in the formation of planktonic larvae. In addition, the anemone can also reproduce asexually by fission.
Reproduction in the Aquarium:
In the aquarium, the Mini Carpet Anemone can also split, but this rarely happens. It is possible to split the anemone manually with a sharp knife, after which the parts should be placed in a light current.
Particularities
Special features:
Stichodactyla tapetum is one of the few anemones that can cause a severe reaction in humans, so caution should be exercised when handling. This anemone is also known for its colorful appearance, which can fade after transport but can flourish again in the aquarium.
Conclusion
Stichodactyla tapetum is a colorful and relatively easy-to-keep anemone, suitable for both beginners and advanced aquarists. It requires a well-equipped aquarium with powerful lighting and regular feeding. This anemone offers an interesting dynamic in the aquarium due to its symbiosis with shrimps and crabs.
Although it is an attractive addition to any marine aquarium, care should be taken when handling it due to the potentially serious reactions it can cause. With proper care and attention, this anemone can be a beautiful and vibrant addition to your marine aquarium.
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Author
John de Lange
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