Rock flower anemone reef compatibility check
Phymanthus crucifer
Rock flower anemone (Phymanthus crucifer) is an intermediate-level anemone that needs at least 10 gallons. It is reef safe with caution; can sting nearby corals; still needs stable conditions. Plan moderate light and moderate flow. Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 3 months old.
More nano-friendly anemone option than bubble tips, but not first-week livestock.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 10+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 10 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without some reef experience and stable parameters.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 3+ months old.
- ✕ Reefs where the cautions on this page would put existing corals or inverts at risk.
Compatibility warnings
- Can sting nearby corals; still needs stable conditions.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 10 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 3 months of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- Invert plans should account for copper exposure, acclimation sensitivity, predation risk, and whether the tank can actually feed the animal.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 10 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Varied
- Reef safety
- Caution
- Adult size
- 4 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Moderate
- Light
- Moderate
- Bioload
- 0.4
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Bubble tip anemone
30+ gallons, high light.
- Blue leg hermit crab
Same 10-gallon floor, beginner care.
- Feather duster worm
Same 10-gallon floor, reef safe.
- Harlequin shrimp
Same 10-gallon floor, expert care, reef safe.
Equipment that fits
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED Black
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED White
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- Nicrew HyperReef 100 Gen 2 LED Reef Light
Lists about 200 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the rock flower anemone need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 10 gallons, based on an adult size of about 4 inches, plus room to forage and the stability a larger water volume gives. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the rock flower anemone reef safe?
It is reef safe with caution in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Can sting nearby corals; still needs stable conditions.
Is the rock flower anemone good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable for 3+ months.
How much light and flow does the rock flower anemone need?
ReefCrafter lists a moderate light need and moderate flow. In planner terms that starts around 100 PAR.