Acid Drop Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA)
Acid Drop Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA)
Species: Entacmaea quadricolor
Growth Form: Attached anemone
Coloration: Neon green to yellow-green (acid green)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Tank Size: 40+ gallons
Placement: Rockwork (self-selecting)
Lighting: Moderate to high
Flow: Moderate, indirect
Diet: Carnivorous & photosynthetic
Feeding: Mysis, brine, chopped seafood (1–2× weekly)
Reef Safe: Yes, with caution (can sting corals)
Care Level: Moderate
Acid Drop Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA)
Scientific Name: Entacmaea quadricolor
Common Name: Acid Drop Bubble Tip Anemone
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Description
The Acid Drop Bubble Tip Anemone is a striking color morph of Entacmaea quadricolor, known for its intense neon green to yellow-green coloration that appears to glow under reef lighting. Its vivid appearance, combined with flowing tentacles and iconic bubble tips, makes it a standout centerpiece in any reef aquarium.
Growth Form
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Attached anemone with a strong, adhesive foot
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Tentacles may appear bubbled or elongated depending on lighting, flow, and feeding
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Can reproduce asexually by splitting when conditions are stable
Coloration
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Bright acid green to neon yellow-green tones
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Fluorescent under blue and actinic lighting
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Color intensity improves with strong lighting and stable parameters
Temperament
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Semi-aggressive
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Capable of stinging nearby corals and invertebrates
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Best given ample space away from delicate corals
Tank Size
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Minimum: 40 gallons
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Established, mature reef systems strongly recommended
Placement
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Rockwork where the foot can securely anchor
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Will move until it finds optimal lighting and flow
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Avoid placing near powerheads or unprotected intakes
Lighting
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Moderate to high
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Thrives under LED, T5, or hybrid reef lighting
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Consistent lighting helps maintain color and health
Flow
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Moderate, indirect
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Gentle movement that allows tentacles to sway naturally without excessive force
Diet
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Carnivorous with photosynthetic support from zooxanthellae
Feeding
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Feed 1–2 times per week
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Small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood
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Avoid overfeeding to prevent stress or regurgitation
Reef Safe
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With caution
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Safe with fish but may sting corals it comes into contact with
Compatibility
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Natural host for many clownfish species
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Hosting behavior varies by clownfish species and individual temperament
Care Level
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Moderate
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Best suited for hobbyists with stable water parameters and established systems
Special Notes
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Can move around the aquarium, especially after introduction
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Use powerhead guards to prevent injury
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Stable salinity, temperature, and alkalinity are key to long-term success
Fun Fact
Acid Drop BTAs often glow intensely under actinic lighting, making them one of the most visually striking Bubble Tip Anemone morphs — like a living highlighter in your reef! ✨