Sebae Anemone

Sebae Anemone: The Leather and Corkscrew Host

The Sebae Anemone (Heteractis crispa), also known as the Leather Anemone or Corkscrew Anemone, is a popular but challenging large sea anemone found across the Indo-Pacific. It is characterized by its long, flowing tentacles (typically 1.5 to 2.5 inches) that often have a noticeable blue, purple, or blue-green color on the tips, contrasting with a white, beige, or brown main body.

This species is highly mobile when initially placed in an aquarium or if water conditions become unstable, and it can move to find its preferred spot. Once settled, it will typically anchor its foot (pedal disc) in a crevice of live rock, often near the sandy substrate. It is a large anemone, capable of reaching an impressive diameter of 12 to 30 inches (30-76 cm) in captivity, which necessitates a spacious and well-established aquarium.

The Sebae Anemone is a host species for several types of clownfish, including the Ocellaris and Percula Clownfish. Due to its size and stinging nematocysts, it requires a minimum tank size of 55 gallons, with 100+ gallons highly recommended for its long-term health and stability.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Sebae Anemone is both Photosynthetic and Carnivore. It gains most of its energy from the symbiotic zooxanthellae algae in its tissues, which requires Moderate to High lighting. Supplemental feeding is essential for long-term health and should consist of meaty foods like chopped shrimp, clam, krill, or silversides placed gently near its mouth once or twice per week.
• Lighting/Flow: It requires High Lighting (150-250 PAR is often recommended) and Moderate Flow. The flow should be non-direct but sufficient to keep detritus off its tentacles and provide gas exchange. The anemone will move to find its preferred light and flow zone.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe With Caution. While it will not typically harm corals through predation, its powerful nematocysts (stinging cells) can seriously damage or kill corals and other sessile invertebrates (like other anemones) it comes into contact with. It also possesses a predatory temperament and may consume small, slow-moving fish or ornamental invertebrates like shrimp and crabs that wander into its tentacles.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Predatory (Stinging). It is one of the more difficult anemones to keep, requiring a stable and mature aquarium (ideally running for 6+ months). When handling, always wear protective gloves, as its sting can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in humans.
• Symbiotic Host: It hosts numerous species of clownfish, including Ocellaris ( A.ocellaris ) and Percula ( A.percula ). The clownfish will clean the anemone and provide nutrients, benefiting the anemone's growth and survival.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Heteractis crispa
• Primary Common Name: Sebae Anemone
• Other Common Names: Leather Anemone, Corkscrew Anemone
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: 12 - 30 inches (30 - 76 cm) diameter
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory (Potent Sting)
• Diet: Photosynthetic / Carnivore (Requires supplemental meaty food)
• Minimum Tank Size: 55+ Gallons (100+ Gallons Recommended)
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Will sting corals and eat small fish/inverts)