FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The long tentacle anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis) is also known as the corkscrew anemone or the tentacle red base anemone and it is an ideal pet to keep in your aquarium. They have plenty of different names such as long tentacle red base anemone, long-tentacled anemone, peppermint anemone, corkscrew tentacle sea anemone, noodle anemone, snaky sea anemone, red base anemone, and hexacoral, sand anemone.
There are a lot of different colored anemones, such as the blue long tentacle anemone and the purple long tentacle anemone, to name a couple. These species can be semi-aggressive and their mouth is like an oral disc at the top. The minimum tank size for a long tentacle anemone should be 30 gal (136.4 L) and the bottom of the aquarium should have at least 1 ft (30.5 cm) of sand.
Keep on reading to learn more about long tentacle anemones. For more relatable content, check out these sea anemone facts and sea squirt facts for kids.
The long tentacle anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis), also known as the corkscrew anemone or sand anemone, is a type of marine animal. They are a similar species to jellyfish.
The class of animal that this anemone belongs to is Anthozoa.
The exact number of long tentacle anemones (sand anemones) living in this world is not currently known.
The long tentacle anemone lives in the ocean. It is found in the Pacific Ocean near the Phillippines.
The long tentacle anemone lives in the ocean under a live rock. Since the natural habitat of the corkscrew anemone is being destroyed, they are often kept in aquariums of a minimum tank size of 60 gal (272.8 L) too. There should be moderate to high lighting and a moderate water flow in their aquarium and there should be no trace elements of phosphate in the aquarium or tank. It is sometimes good to keep clownfish in the tank with these anenomes, but it is not a guarantee that the long tentacle anemone will like this fish's company.
This species of red base anemone has an oral disc-shaped mouth and is semi-aggressive. However, if they like a fish, they serve as a host for it. They mostly serve as a home for clownfish and they also co-exist with corals in the reef. Since corals are being destroyed around the world it would be best not to buy these in a bid to mimic the reef environment in your aquarium or tank.
These species of anemone can survive until the age of 80 years. In captivity, their survival rate is high.
Long tentacle anemones and similar anemones reproduce by releasing sperm and eggs through their tentacles into the water. The fertilized egg then lands on the sand, and that is where the anemone grows to adulthood.
The conservation status of the long tentacle anemone that is often found living near corals is currently Not Evaluated in the IUCN Red List. So, it can be assumed that there is no immediate risk to their population.
The white long tentacle anemone and has an oral disc as a mouth. They, along with similar anemones, like to stay under a live rock in the ocean or in an aquarium or tank. They have long tentacles that also serve as a warning for other fish not to come near them. There should be sufficient to moderate lighting in their aquarium or tank.
Like the Irukandji jellyfish, the long tentacle anemone is extremely colorful and a pleasure to the eyes. However, its long tentacles can be a bit intimidating.
They do not communicate with each other using their tentacles. In the reef, they move their tentacles to sense danger, but if their long tentacles are touched by another anemone they tend not to react.
The average long tentacle anemone size can be up to 19.7 in (50 cm). The body size is quite big and bigger than that of a moon jellyfish.
The long tentacle anemone does not move from where it grows, but its tentacles flow according to the current of the ocean. They do not change location from where they grow.
An adult can weigh up to 440 lb (199.6 kg).
There are no specific names give to a male or female long tentacle anemone.
There is no specific name given to a long tentacle anemone's baby.
The long tentacle anemone (clownfish host) normally will eat algae, but they can also eat small meaty fish as well. They are considered to be a carnivore. Long tentacle anemones host clownfish and thus these fish sometimes give the anemone small fish or shrimp to eat. But the anemone is capable of getting its own food using its tentacles. The long tentacle anemone is normally kept in a fish tank as a pet so it would be best to give some meaty fish when feeding it in captivity.
Yes, they can be dangerous as their tentacles can sting when they detect danger.
They make a great pet in an aquarium. The long tentacle anemone comes in many different colors (purple, blue, white, and more) and sometimes lives well alongside other fish. They like moderate lighting and feeding them is easy. Their diet has to include meaty shrimp and fish. When feeding this anemone you have to be careful as they sting.
A long tentacle anemone can cost up to $35. They tend to like to live near a rock and their food requirements are pretty simple as they are not hunters. Sometimes this anemone will host a clownfish.
Being deflated for more than three days can be a sign of a dying long tentacle anemone. You should regularly check on your long tentacle anemone to ensure that it remains healthy in captivity.
It is important to keep moderate lighting in a tank when keeping a long tentacle anemone. They are normally found in a reef in shallow ocean water regions. They can stay in a freshwater tank, but you have to make sure that their diet is closely followed and that they are placed in the center or a corner of the tank. Long tentacle anemone placement can be tricky, but remember not to touch their tentacles as they sting! You can keep other fish with this anemone, but it is preferred that you keep a clownfish as the clownfish provides food in exchange for shelter in the wild and thus these species live well together. The body of the anemone can grow quite big in size so make sure you have a sufficiently big aquarium of 60 gal (272.8 L) in size at least.
Yes, a clownfish will host a long tentacle anemone as the clownfish will feed them shrimps and other crustaceans. This is a mutually beneficial relationship. The average long tentacle anemone size is big so they have important food and diet requirements that must be met in order to prevent a long tentacle anemone dying.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other Anthozoa from our giant green anemone surprising facts and brain coral fun facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable long tentacle anemone coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.