Description
The Ball Tip Anemone is a fascinating anemone-like corallimorph recognized by its long, sticky tentacles ending in distinctive rounded ball-like tips. Despite its common name, Pseudocorynactis is not a true sea anemone; it belongs to the Corallimorpharia and is more closely related to mushroom-like corallimorphs. It is a nocturnal or low-light predator that uses highly adhesive tentacles to capture meaty prey.
Lighting:
Low to very low.
This is a non-photosynthetic animal and does not depend on light for nutrition. Shaded areas, caves, and overhangs are ideal.
Placement (Aquarium Zone):
Lower aquarium — preferably in a shaded crevice, cave, overhang, or protected area of mature live rock. Allow sufficient space around the animal because its tentacles can extend considerably when feeding.
Temperature:
24–27°C (75–81°F)
Salinity:
1.024–1.026 SG
pH:
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity:
8–10 dKH
Flow:
Low to moderate, gentle indirect flow.
Avoid strong direct circulation that constantly moves or damages the delicate tentacles.
Diet:
Carnivorous / non-photosynthetic predator.
Pseudocorynactis relies on captured prey rather than photosynthesis. Its highly adhesive tentacles can trap small fish, shrimp, and other meaty prey.
Foods:
- Mysis shrimp
- Enriched brine shrimp
- Copepods
- Chopped shrimp
- Finely chopped marine seafood
- Small pieces of fish or squid
- Other appropriately sized meaty marine foods
Feed 2–3 times per week, with larger specimens potentially accepting larger portions. Target feeding is recommended.
Adult Size (up to):
Some Pseudocorynactis forms can reach approximately 15 cm (6 in) across when fully extended, although aquarium specimens vary considerably by species and form.
Care Level:
Intermediate
Compatible:
- Larger peaceful fish that will not disturb it
- Carefully selected reef fish
- Mature fish-only or specialized invertebrate systems
- Robust tankmates that are too large to be captured
Use Caution With:
- Small gobies
- Small cardinalfish
- Small wrasses
- Ornamental shrimp
- Juvenile fish
- Small crustaceans
- Slow-moving invertebrates
- Other sessile animals within reach of its tentacles
Avoid:
- Small fish that can fit within its feeding range
- Small ornamental shrimp
- Placing it directly next to valuable corals
- Strong direct flow
- High-light exposed locations
- Handling or pulling animals away from its sticky tentacles
Important Notes:
The Ball Tip Anemone is not a typical reef-safe anemone. Its sticky tentacles are specialized for capturing prey, and small fish or shrimp that come into contact with them may be caught and consumed.
It is best kept as a specialized predator in a carefully planned aquarium. Give it a protected location with enough room for the tentacles to extend without contacting desirable livestock.
Because it is non-photosynthetic, regular target feeding is important. It often becomes more visible and active under low-light conditions or after the aquarium lights go out.
Use caution when moving or handling it. Its adhesive tentacles can firmly attach to objects or livestock.
Best For:
- Specialized marine aquariums
- Low-light reef displays
- Predator-focused systems
- Mature aquariums
- Experienced reef keepers
- Aquarists interested in unusual non-photosynthetic invertebrates
Reef Keeper Tip:
Treat Pseudocorynactis as a predatory corallimorph rather than a conventional anemone. Keep it in a shaded, protected location, provide gentle flow, target-feed meaty foods regularly, and leave plenty of clearance around it. Most importantly, avoid housing it with small fish or ornamental shrimp that could become prey.
