Anemone

[Morphias]

Is there a way to encourage an anemone to split?

[reeferdude]

It just so happens that the latest issue of CORAL magazine has an article about splitting anemones. They basically cut it in half. I would not recommend this for the average hobbiest. If possible check out the mag and read the article.

I have heard of people who get them to attach to 2 pieces of rock and then slowly seperate them. Good luck.

[Elite]

People say to make it split: feed it a lot and then stop feeding it or do big water change ..

I try both none work for me. And then all the sudden it splits into 3.

[Byeager14]

Well i find it really works when you get a hacksaw and rip it vigorously...:) no but seriously, some aquarists have anemones that are attatched to two rocks. you slowly pull them apart gradually over time.

[N1ceDrgn]

Does this apply to all anemone's? In the article I saw, a BTA was used. The anemone I have at home, I can't seem to identify and I'm concerned, 1) if this will work for what I have and 2) how long the turn around time is for healing and recovery.

[Byeager14]

maybe you can post a pic? cutting the anemone in half is a big risk. for a month try the feeding thing Elite suggested and if it doesn't work post one ;)

[N1ceDrgn]

This is the 'little monster' I was referring to. It's around 14" in diameter now. It started around 6 or 7 when I got it a few years ago. The coloration is a light orange color with blue/ purplish tips. That's the best I can tell (..being colorblind). Can some one identify it and possibly let me know what method if any there is to propogate it?

[Mike O'Brien]

Since Calfo's been doing this in his demonstration's alot of people have been doing this. I see no reaso not to do it with you're anemone, just cut it right down the middle right through the mouth. They usually heal faster than you think. Just feed it for a few week's and it will be ready t cut again.

[N1ceDrgn]

Just to make sure, you're saying to cut it like a pie, right down the middle, from top to foot and then attempt to feed it as normal? I want to be sure because I'm kind of attached to the critter.

On a separate note, are there any ideas about what kind of anemone it is?

[Mike O'Brien]

Yeah, you'll have to take it out to do it, just leave it alone for a day or two before you start feeding it, just give it tiny pieces of food.

I don't know exactly what it is, possibly Heteractis sp.

[N1ceDrgn]

Ok, so, I'm supposed to remove it from the tank. Then with trying not to keep it out for too long, cut it across the middle, from it's top through it's foot. Then placing both halves back in well filtered area and leave it alone for a couple days. Then, try feeding it small pieces of mysis or brine?
As for it's current 'tenants' try to let the anemone recover without their 'attention'?

Some searching I just did, the closest varieties I could find were either Long Tentacle (Heteractis malu), Long Tentacle (Macrodactyla doreensis). However, neither presented the coloration I have. I did stumble across a Purple Dahlia that was amazing! I have to admit I am interested in finding one of those..

[Mike O'Brien]

That's about it, I'd go for more nutritional food though, like formula one frozen.

[N1ceDrgn]

Sounds like a plan then, I'll stop off and pick some up then. I'll try to take some pics of this, in case anyone else is interested.

[N1ceDrgn]

Lastly, I would like to apologize for hijacking this thread. I do hope what was discussed however does help with the original question.

[Beck0712]

Any updates?