Haitian Reef Anemone: The Aggressive Condy
The Haitian Reef Anemone (Condylactis gigantea), also widely known as the Pink-Tip Condy, Giant Caribbean Sea Anemone, or Florida Condy, is one of the most popular, yet highly mobile, sea anemones in the marine aquarium trade. Its striking appearance is characterized by long, thick, flowing tentacles that are typically a tan, white, or pale green color, often ending in a distinct, bright pink or purple tip.
Native to the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, this anemone is a large and aggressive predator. It can reach an impressive diameter of up to 16 inches (40 cm) in the wild, though it typically remains 12 inches or less in a home aquarium. Due to its size, powerful sting, and tendency to move around the tank, a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons is recommended for proper housing.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Condylactis gigantea |
| Common Names | Pink-Tip Condy, Giant Caribbean Sea Anemone, Florida Condy |
| Native Range | Western Atlantic and Caribbean |
| Typical Size (Aquarium) | Up to 12 inches (30 cm) |
| Tentacle Color | Tan, white, or pale green with pink or purple tips |
| Behavior | Aggressive, mobile, predatory |
FAQ
What is the typical size of a Haitian Reef Anemone in a home aquarium?
It typically grows to 12 inches or less in a home aquarium, though it can reach up to 16 inches in the wild.
What are the tentacle colors of the Haitian Reef Anemone?
The tentacles are typically tan, white, or pale green, often ending in a bright pink or purple tip.
Is the Haitian Reef Anemone suitable for beginners?
No, this anemone is aggressive and requires a large, well-established aquarium with stable water conditions. It is not recommended for beginner aquarists.
Steven Arnold –
This anemone is visually stunning with its vibrant pink tips on long tentacles. It’s quite active and requires a large tank with plenty of space. I’ve had it for three months and it’s still moving around the tank, which is both impressive and a bit intimidating. Water parameters are stable, and it’s not causing any issues with my other inhabitants as long as they’re not too close.
Joan Ogden –
The appearance is exactly as described—striking and unique. It’s a bit aggressive and needs a lot of space. I keep it in a 100-gallon tank with strong water flow. It doesn’t sting my fish, but I keep a safe distance. It’s a great centerpiece for a reef tank if you’re prepared for its movement and behavior.
Jack Fraser –
It arrived healthy and looks beautiful. I’m still adjusting to its movement and how it reacts to nearby fish. It’s not as docile as I expected. I’m monitoring water parameters closely and will keep it in a larger tank in the future.