Anemone Feeding Schedule?

[cheeks69]

Originally Posted by saltwaterfarm

He has been eating 2x a week for a couple months now... Is that too much? I do have MH's and he seems to be thriving... I am certainly willing to reduce feedings if it is better for him. Please advise...

I'll let Robert Fenner respond...lol

Feeding/Foods/Nutrition: Types, Frequency, Amount, Wastes

Anemones possess rings of tentacles around their mouths used for prey collection and manipulation. These are arrayed with numerous stinging (cnidocysts) and sticky (spirocysts) cells below their surface. These specialized cells may be found in and on other body areas and assist in immobilizing and holding prey as well as warding off would-be predators.

Underfeed, underfeed, don't feed! Underfeed, underfeed, don't feed! Most losses in captive systems are the result of over-feeding. How many more times do I feel I need to write this? Bunches! Some anemones have been kept for YEARS without any intentional external feeding. Know your stock! Many anemones (especially larger species) are detritivorous (a polite term meaning they eat poop), planktivorous, and largely chemoautotrophic/photosynthesizing species/individuals that hobbyists try to over-stuff with meaty/prepared foods. My bid for largest cause of loss of anemones is the consequences (lack of oxygen, hydrogen and other sulfide production...) from over-feeding. Cut it out! Within normal temperatures and other conditions, most can and do do well on weekly feedings. If you're going on vacation, leave them alone.

For almost all varieties kept, an occasional (weekly or so) perfusion (wash?) of live brine shrimp, prepared mash of frozen or dried food, or frappe' (as in with your blender) of "fresh" marine food meant for human consumption (shellfish, shrimp, langouste, not-so-oily fish) with or without supplementation. Temporarily turn off your particulate filters and squirt the food onto their tentacular surface.

Some authors suggest the use of beef and other foods unlikely to be encountered in the wild. I do not.

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/anempt2.htm

[cheeks69]

If the Anemone has expelled it's zooxanthellae then feeding is a must for it to survive BUT if it's healthy and you have proper lighting then feeding occasionally would be what I suggest. Another problem with feeding often is they will grow very quickly which can be a problem for smaller tanks.

[Basile]

Originally Posted by cheeks69

I'll let Robert Fenner respond...lol



AnemPt2

I'v asked my LFS how many times to feed an anemone, is responce , he hadn't fed his for the last 10 years, i was Wow. So i'm looking foreward to having one in my next tank. With a little more research i'll be ready to take care of one.