Rainbow Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA)
Rainbow Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA)
Species: Entacmaea quadricolor
Growth Form: Attached anemone
Coloration: Multicolored rainbow hues (red, green, orange, yellow)
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
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
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Single anemone with a pedal disc that firmly attaches to rock
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Tentacles may appear bubbled or elongated depending on flow, lighting, and feeding
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Can grow large over time and may split under stable conditions
Coloration
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Multicolored body with rainbow hues
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Tentacles often show bright tips with contrasting base colors
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Color intensity improves under strong lighting and stable parameters
Temperament
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Semi-aggressive
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Can sting nearby corals if it moves or expands
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Best given its own space in the aquarium
Tank Size
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Minimum: 30 gallons
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Larger, mature systems preferred for long-term success
Placement
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Rockwork where the foot can securely attach
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May move until it finds a spot with ideal light and flow
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Avoid placing near sensitive corals
Lighting
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Moderate to high
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Thrives under strong LED, T5, or hybrid lighting
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Stable lighting is key to maintaining vibrant coloration
Flow
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Moderate, indirect flow
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Enough movement to gently sway tentacles without blasting them
Diet
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Carnivorous with photosynthetic support from zooxanthellae
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Benefits from supplemental feeding
Feeding
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Feed 1–2 times per week
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Small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, chopped shrimp, or reef blends
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Do not overfeed
Reef Safe
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With caution
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Safe with fish but may sting corals and invertebrates 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 fish
Care Level
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Moderate
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Best suited for stable, established reef aquariums
Special Notes
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Can move around the tank, especially after introduction
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Use powerhead guards to prevent injury
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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!