The sole member of its genus, called the adhesive anemone because its tentacles grip so strongly. Strong light and small meaty meals are the basics, experience helps, and it makes a poor home for clownfish. Both the sting and the stickiness are a danger to tankmates: small fish and shrimp that touch it can be caught, held and eaten, so keep them well away.
Educational only. Some KinStation entries are reviewed by licensed veterinarians, but none can replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
Need expert help with your pizza anemone?
Connect with a specialist near you or ask a licensed vet — never substitute online guidance for hands-on care in an emergency.
Disc up to about 30 cm across, with short branched tentacles about 5 mm long near the centre and beaded ones at the edge.
Lifespan
—
Social needs
solo
Native region
Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea to southern Japan and Australia
Origin
Old World
Climate
Tropical
Water type
Marine
Family
Thalassianthidae
Genus
Cryptodendrum
Part of the Sea Anemones
Stinging, sessile cnidarians ranging from clownfish-hosting giants to nano-sized carpet species. Many are demanding, mobile, and can sting corals or be drawn into pumps — careful placement and rock-stable water are essential.
Provide strong light and a low position on the rock, often a gap between rock and sand, which is where it settles by choice. Wild animals occupy reef flats and slopes over a wide stretch of the Indo-West Pacific, reaching from the Red Sea to southern Japan and Australia. One care reference asks for at least 50 gal (190 L).
Keep stable reef water: SG about 1.025, 24-27 °C (75-81 °F), pH 8.1-8.4.
Substrate
Give it rock with gaps at the sand line, where its foot can settle low. Keep the rockwork stable.
Equipment & setup
Use strong reef lighting and moderate flow. Guard pump intakes and use long tongs for feeding, because the tentacles grip whatever they touch.
Diet
Relies on light and on food. It draws energy from its zooxanthellae and from what it catches. Use strong lighting, and offer small pieces of chopped fish or fortified brine shrimp several times a week.
Behavior & temperament
It has two kinds of tentacle: branched, very sticky ones toward the centre and beaded ones on a wavy rim, often in different colours. It contracts quickly and pulls back into the reef when touched. The only anemonefish recorded with it is Clark's anemonefish, and most wild animals have none, so it seems to be used only when nothing better is around. Juvenile three-spot dascyllus, anemone shrimps and porcelain crabs may also live on it.
Health
Strong sting and very sticky tentacles. Small fish and shrimp that touch it can be caught, held and eaten. Acclimation is a delicate stage, and keepers have long found it hard to maintain. Loss of colour, a slack body or a failure to expand all call for a check on light and water.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Do not choose this one for clownfish, since it is a poor host. Keep it away from small tankmates, because its sticky tentacles and strong sting can catch, hold and eat them. Add it before fixed corals, and acclimate it slowly. Wear gloves when working near it.
KinStation
Aquatic
Compare
Need expert help with your pizza anemone?
Ask a vet in the community
Tropical
Marine