Haddon's Carpet Anemone

Haddon's Carpet Anemone: The Expert-Level Predator

The Haddon's Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni), also commonly known as the True Carpet Anemone or Saddle Anemone, is a breathtaking centerpiece for the expert marine aquarist. Characterized by its very short, dense tentacles that resemble fine carpeting, this anemone is prized for its wide range of vibrant colors, including deep green, blue, purple, and yellow. Its surface is famously extremely sticky, serving as a highly effective trap for prey.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Haddon's Carpet Anemone is one of the largest species available in the hobby, capable of reaching an impressive diameter of 20 to 36 inches (50-90 cm). Its enormous size and specialized needs require a highly stable, well-established aquarium of 75 gallons or more.

Unlike some other anemones, this species strongly prefers to bury its foot deep into the sand, often attaching to the bottom pane of glass. It is a voracious predator that, despite hosting certain clownfish, poses a significant risk to most other tank inhabitants.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Haddon's Carpet Anemone is a Carnivore that gains much of its energy from strong aquarium lighting, which feeds its symbiotic zooxanthellae algae. However, it requires frequent supplemental feeding of meaty foods.
• Feeding: Feed 2-3 times per week with large chunks of food, such as chopped fish, marine shrimp, or squid. Place the food directly onto the center of its oral disc.
• Substrate & Placement: A deep sand bed (4-6 inches) is essential for the anemone to anchor properly. If it is unable to settle, it will wander, increasing the risk of stinging corals and getting sucked into powerheads, which can be catastrophic for the entire tank.
• Reef Compatibility: It is NOT Reef Safe. Its powerful sting will kill and melt any coral it touches. Due to its size and tendency to move, it should be housed in a large tank designed specifically around its placement and space needs.
• Tank Mates: Only compatible with the symbiotic clownfish species (Clarkii, Saddleback, and Maroon Clownfish) and fish too large to be eaten. It will actively prey on small fish, ornamental shrimp, and errant inverts.
• Handling Caution: The sting is venomous (though rarely severe to humans). It is incredibly sticky and should never be exposed to air during acclimation or transfer, as air bubbles can cause a fatal embolism. Use caution when performing tank maintenance.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Stichodactyla haddoni
• Primary Common Name: Haddon's Carpet Anemone
• Other Common Names: Saddle Anemone, True Carpet Anemone
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: 36 inches (90 cm)
• Temperament: Aggressive / Predatory
• Diet: Carnivore (Requires supplemental meaty feeding)
• Care Level: Expert / Difficult
• Minimum Tank Size: 75+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Not Reef Safe