Purple Base Green Bubble Anemone

Purple Base Green Bubble Anemone: The Hardy Clownfish Host

The Purple Base Green Bubble Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor), often abbreviated as BTA, is one of the most popular and commonly recommended sea anemones in the marine hobby. This name refers to a specific color morph of the anemone, which features green, bulbous-tipped tentacles and a distinctly purple, red, or maroon foot/column used for attachment.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, this anemone is prized for its hardiness and its reliability as a host for many species of clownfish, including the Ocellaris, Percula, and Maroon Clownfish. It is an excellent choice for intermediate keepers looking for an anemone that is generally easier to care for than other host species.

The Purple Base Green BTA can grow to a substantial size, reaching 12 inches (30 cm) or more in diameter. It requires a stable, mature aquarium of at least 30 gallons (though 50+ gallons is recommended to accommodate its size and movement).

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This anemone is a Photosynthetic Carnivore. It is largely sustained by the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) within its tissues, which require strong lighting. It must be supplemented with meaty food.
• Feeding: Feed 2–3 times per week by target-feeding small pieces of raw marine shrimp, clam, squid, or chopped fish. Supplemental feeding is crucial for its health and to maintain its vibrant color and characteristic "bubble" tips.
• Lighting & Flow: Requires Moderate to High Intensity Lighting and Moderate Water Flow. Insufficient lighting is the primary reason an anemone will wander the tank in search of a better spot.
• Placement: The BTA is a "crevice-dweller" and will attach its foot deep within the live rock structure. It will move until it finds a location with ideal light and flow. All powerheads and filter intakes MUST be guarded to prevent fatal injury from being sucked in.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe With Caution. The anemone has a potent, aggressive sting and is mobile. It will sting and damage any coral or sessile invertebrate (like clams) that it comes into contact with. Provide ample clear space (at least 6-12 inches) between the anemone and all corals.
• Propagation: Happy, mature BTAs are famous for their ability to reproduce asexually by splitting (fission).

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Entacmaea quadricolor
• Primary Common Name: Purple Base Green Bubble Anemone
• Other Common Names: Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA), Rose Bubble Tip Anemone (RBTA), Bulb-Tentacle Anemone
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 12+ inches (30+ cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (Stinging and Motile)
• Diet: Photosynthetic Carnivore (Requires strong light and target feeding)
• Care Level: Moderate (Requires stable, mature tank)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30–50+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Will sting corals and sessile inverts)