Long Tentacle anemone - Metallic Green

The long tentacle anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis) is a sand-dwelling Indo-Pacific anemone, named for the long, gently tapering tentacles that sway constantly in the current. This metallic green form carries a green cast through the tentacles under blue-heavy reef lighting. Unlike rock-anchored species, it buries its column in soft substrate and spreads its oral disc above the sand bed.

Aquarium care

• Needs a deep, open sand bed to bury its foot in; it will not settle on bare bottom or solid rock.
• Requires a mature, stable system. Newly cycled tanks are a common cause of failure.
• Wants intense lighting, as it depends heavily on symbiotic algae for nutrition.
• Takes meaty foods such as chopped seafood or mysis offered to the tentacles.
• Wanders until it finds a spot it likes, so guard powerhead and pump intakes.
• Stings corals it touches, so give it clear space around it.

This is an anemone for experienced keepers with established tanks, not a first marine purchase. Clownfish sometimes adopt long tentacle anemones and sometimes ignore them entirely, so please do not buy one expecting a guaranteed host. Stock rotates; local pickup at our Lethbridge store. See current saltwater livestock.