Purple Tube Anemone - Cerianthus sp.

Purple Tube Anemone (Cerianthus sp.)

Purple Tube Anemone is a distinctive marine anemone admired for its long flowing tentacles, elegant tube-dwelling behaviour and rich purple colouration. Unlike host anemones, it lives within a protective tube in the substrate and creates a dramatic display when fully extended, making it a fascinating feature animal for suitable mature marine aquariums.

Common Name:
Purple Tube Anemone, Tube Anemone, Cerianthus Anemone, Tube-Dwelling Anemone

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cerianthus sp.

Coral Type:
NPS Anemone

Growth Form:
Tube-dwelling anemone with a soft body, buried protective tube and long extended feeding tentacles.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Tube Anemones are found in marine sand and rubble zones, often in sheltered reef margins, lagoons and deeper substrate areas where they can bury their tube and extend tentacles into gentle water movement to capture suspended foods.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Alkalinity: 7–10 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Nitrate: Low but detectable
Phosphate: Low but detectable

Lighting:
LOW
Purple Tube Anemones are non-photosynthetic and do not rely on strong reef lighting for energy. They are best placed in a lower-light area of the aquarium where they are not exposed to intense lighting, especially during the settling period.

Flow:
LOW TO MEDIUM
Provide gentle to moderate indirect flow that helps carry food to the tentacles without causing the anemone to collapse or retract. Avoid strong direct flow, as this can prevent natural extension and may encourage the anemone to relocate or remain withdrawn.

Placement:
Place in a deep sandbed or a sheltered sandy area where the anemone can bury its tube securely. Avoid placing it directly on sharp rockwork and leave generous space around it, as the long tentacles can extend widely and may sting nearby corals or slow-moving livestock.

Temperament / Aggression:
Aggressive
Tube Anemones have a strong sting and can damage nearby corals, small invertebrates or delicate livestock if contact occurs. They should be kept well away from corals and positioned where their tentacles cannot reach neighbouring sessile animals.

Feeding:
Non-photosynthetic, requires feeding
Purple Tube Anemones require regular feeding, as they do not gain meaningful nutrition from light. Suitable foods include small mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine meats, copepods, zooplankton and other appropriately sized meaty foods. Feed carefully and avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can reduce water quality.

Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate
In a stable marine aquarium with regular feeding and suitable placement, Purple Tube Anemones can settle well and maintain strong tentacle extension. Growth is usually gradual and depends heavily on consistent feeding, water quality and a secure substrate position.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Purple Tube Anemones are best suited to mature aquariums with stable parameters, a suitable sandbed and careful spacing from corals. They should not be treated like Bubble Tip or host anemones, as their needs and behaviour are different. Avoid placing them near aggressive fish, burrowing animals that may disturb the tube, or powerheads where extended tentacles could be damaged. Maintain good filtration, as regular feeding can increase nutrient levels. A settled specimen should extend readily, respond to food and remain securely positioned in the substrate.

Suitable for:
Intermediate reefkeepers

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on colour intensity, supplier naming and season.

All images are a visual representation of the anemone you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns, colours and growth form will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.