Rock Flower Anemone

Epicystis crucifer

Identification	A hardy Caribbean anemone with a wide, beaded oral disc and short tentacles, often arranged in a striking radial pattern. Renowned for a huge range of vivid colors — neon green, orange, red, pink, purple, rainbow, and multicolor "ultra" varieties. Attaches its foot deep in rock or sand.
Origin	Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Western Atlantic
Maximum Length	4–6 inches across the disc
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons (established)
Reef Compatibility	Yes — peaceful and reef safe; does not roam like other anemones

Behavior

The Rock Flower Anemone is one of the most popular and colorful anemones in the reef hobby, prized for its dazzling and highly variable coloration — no two are exactly alike, and rare “ultra” and rainbow specimens are especially sought after. Unlike carpet or bubble tip anemones, Rock Flowers are well-behaved: they anchor their foot into a hole in the rock or sand and generally stay put rather than wandering the tank and stinging corals. They are hardy, undemanding, and do not host clownfish in the way bubble tips do, though the occasional clown may adopt one. Their manageable size and vivid colors make them ideal for nano and mixed reef tanks, and they can be kept in colorful “gardens” of multiple specimens.

Diet & Feeding

Photosynthetic plus meaty feedings. Rock Flower Anemones derive energy from symbiotic zooxanthellae under moderate-to-strong reef lighting, and should also be spot-fed 1-2 times per week with small meaty foods — mysis shrimp, chopped silversides, or krill placed directly on the oral disc. Regular feeding intensifies color and encourages growth.

Cautions

Give it a spot in the rockwork or sand where it can anchor its foot; once settled it rarely moves. Provide moderate flow (too strong and it will not stay open) and stable water parameters. Keep pump intakes guarded — any anemone that does detach can be shredded by a powerhead. Peaceful, but give it a little space from corals. Sensitive to copper and poor water quality.