Rainbow Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA)

Rainbow Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA)

Scientific Name: Entacmaea quadricolor
Common Name: Rainbow Bubble Tip Anemone, Rainbow BTA
Origin: Indo-Pacific reefs

 

Description

The Rainbow Bubble Tip Anemone is one of the most sought-after anemones in the reef hobby, prized for its intense coloration and iconic “bubble” tipped tentacles. Displaying a vibrant mix of red, green, orange, yellow, and hints of blue or purple, each specimen is truly unique. Its movement and color make it a natural focal point in any reef aquarium.

 

Growth Form

• Single anemone with a pedal disc that firmly attaches to rock

• Tentacles may appear bubbled or elongated depending on flow, lighting, and feeding

• Can grow large over time and may split under stable conditions

 

Coloration

• Multicolored body with rainbow hues

• Tentacles often show bright tips with contrasting base colors

• Color intensity improves under strong lighting and stable parameters

 

Temperament

• Semi-aggressive

• Can sting nearby corals if it moves or expands

• Best given its own space in the aquarium

 

Tank Size

• Minimum: 30 gallons

• Larger, mature systems preferred for long-term success

 

Placement

• Rockwork where the foot can securely attach

• May move until it finds a spot with ideal light and flow

• Avoid placing near sensitive corals

 

Lighting

• Moderate to high

• Thrives under strong LED, T5, or hybrid lighting

• Stable lighting is key to maintaining vibrant coloration

 

Flow

• Moderate, indirect flow

• Enough movement to gently sway tentacles without blasting them

 

Diet

• Carnivorous with photosynthetic support from zooxanthellae

• Benefits from supplemental feeding

 

Feeding

• Feed 1–2 times per week

• Small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, chopped shrimp, or reef blends

• Do not overfeed

 

Reef Safe

• With caution

• Safe with fish but may sting corals and invertebrates it comes into contact with

 

Compatibility

• Natural host for many clownfish species

• Hosting behavior varies by clownfish species and individual fish

 

Care Level

• Moderate

• Best suited for stable, established reef aquariums

 

Special Notes

• Can move around the tank, especially after introduction

• Use powerhead guards to prevent injury

• Stable parameters are essential to prevent stress or wandering

 

Fun Fact

Rainbow Bubble Tip Anemones can reproduce asexually by splitting, often creating identical clones when conditions are just right — a true sign of a happy, healthy anemone!