Baby Mertensii Carpet Anemone

About this invertebrate

Baby Mertensii Carpet Anemone is a “carpet anemone” sea anemone sold under that shop name; its confirmed scientific name is Stichodactyla mertensii. In a reef aquarium, it’s appreciated for its wide, carpet-like oral disc and for adding natural movement to the display. Because carpet anemones are photosynthetic, they’re also a popular choice for aquarists who can provide strong lighting and stable, reef-quality water.

Features:

• Group-level anemone behavior: it expands and feeds from its oral disc/tentacles, creating active “carpet” motion when conditions are right.
• Carpet anemones are generally kept in established reef systems with strong light and gentle-to-moderate water movement.
• Placement guidance: plan to settle it on a rock surface (carpet anemones are typically rock-anchored in aquaria).
• It benefits from direct feeding in addition to light-based nutrition, using appropriately sized meaty foods.
• Because it can be sensitive, new arrivals may move or refuse feeding until well-attached and acclimated.
• Tends to be considered difficult/picky compared with many common reef anemones—best suited to experienced saltwater keepers.

Specifications:

• Scientific name (verified): Stichodactyla mertensii
• Care level: Expert (most difficult / somewhat picky in care, by referenced sources)
• Adult size (general): Can reach very large diameters; up to ~3 feet (sources note “3 feet in diameter or larger” for maximum size)
• Minimum tank size (general): Large aquarium; one reference suggests 75 gallons as a minimum
• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–27°C)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity (specific gravity): 1.023–1.025
• Alkalinity: 2.5–3.0 meq/L (as listed in one referenced parameter set)
• dKH / hardness: 8–12 dKH
• Magnesium: ~1350 mg/L (noted as relating to specific gravity)
• Diet: Carnivore; benefits from regular feeding of meaty foods such as chopped/fresh or frozen shrimp/fish-type foods, in addition to photosynthesis
• Lighting: Strong light; references commonly describe metal halide lighting / strong light requirements
• Water flow: Gentle water movement to moderately strong flow is described across references