Cryptodendrum pizza anemone assorted S-size

The Cryptodendrum adhaesivum, also known as the Pizza Anemone, is a captivating marine invertebrate with a unique appearance. Its flat, circular body and distinctive tentacles give it a resemblance to a pizza, hence its common name.

• Size: It can grow quite large, reaching diameters of up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) or more in the wild.
• Tentacles: The anemone has two types of tentacles:
  • Oral Disc Tentacles: These are short, numerous, and tightly packed, covering the central part of the disc. They are responsible for capturing food particles.
  • Marginal Tentacles: These are longer, fewer in number, and located around the edge of the disc. They often have a bubble-like thickening at the tips, giving them a unique appearance.
• Coloration: The Pizza Anemone can exhibit a variety of colors, including shades of brown, green, yellow, and orange. The two types of tentacles may be different colors, adding to its visual appeal.
• Habitat: It is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting shallow coastal waters and attaching itself to rocks or coral rubble.

Behavior and Feeding:

• Feeding: The Pizza Anemone is a carnivore, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates that come into contact with its sticky tentacles.
• Symbiosis: It often forms symbiotic relationships with clownfish, which find protection within the anemone's tentacles. In return, the clownfish help to clean the anemone and may provide it with food scraps.

Aquarium Care:

The Pizza Anemone can be a rewarding addition to a marine aquarium, but it requires specific care:

• Water Parameters: Maintain stable water parameters, including temperature, salinity, and pH levels.
• Water Flow: Provide moderate water flow to ensure proper oxygenation and waste removal.
• Lighting: The anemone benefits from moderate to high lighting.
• Placement: Place the anemone in a stable location with plenty of space to expand.
• Feeding: Supplement its diet with small pieces of seafood, such as brine shrimp or mysis shrimp.

Interesting Facts:

• The Pizza Anemone can release toxins to deter predators.
• It can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
• Its scientific name, "Cryptodendrum adhaesivum," means "hidden tree that sticks."