Malu Anemone (Heteractis malu)
Looking for a classic, sand-dwelling centerpiece with a more compact, delicate look? The Malu Anemone (often known in the hobby as the Delicate Sea Anemone and frequently grouped with Sebae Anemones) is a stunning addition to the lower levels of a mature reef.
Unlike the long, flowing arms of a Long Tentacle Anemone, the Malu is characterized by its shorter, slightly stubbier tentacles that often feature striking purple or magenta tips. A healthy specimen will have a rich tan, beige, or slightly greenish base colour—a quick tip: if you ever see a Malu Anemone that is completely stark white, it is bleached and starving, not a rare colour morph!
At UKReef Hampshire, we love the Malu Anemone because its neater, more uniform appearance provides a fantastic textural contrast on the sandbed. It is a brilliant host for several species of clownfish, particularly Clark's and Tomato clownfish, bringing that iconic, natural symbiotic magic right to the front glass of your display.
Quick Care Guide:
Care Level: Advanced. Like all anemones, they absolutely require a biologically mature reef tank (running for at least 6-8 months) with rock-solid, stable water parameters. They do not tolerate swings in salinity or alkalinity well.
Temperament: Aggressive. They carry a potent sting and are fully mobile until they find a spot they are perfectly happy with. If they decide to go for a walk, they will sting any corals in their path. ⚠️ Important: Always install anemone guards on your wavemakers to prevent a wandering Malu from getting shredded in the blades!
Placement: Sandbed. They are dedicated sand-dwellers. They require a moderate to deep sandbed to safely bury their foot, often anchoring themselves to the bottom glass or a flat piece of rubble buried beneath the substrate.
Lighting: Moderate to High. They rely heavily on intense lighting to maintain their zooxanthellae (the algae that gives them their colour and energy). If your Malu starts stretching upwards or wandering up the glass, it is usually searching for stronger light.
Water Flow: Moderate. They prefer a gentle, indirect current that brings food and sweeps away waste. Direct, heavy wavemaker flow will stress them out and cause them to detach and tumble around the tank.
Feeding: Highly Recommended. While they draw a lot of energy from your reef lights, regular feeding is the secret to a thriving, sticky anemone. Gently target-feed them small, meaty foods like Mysis shrimp, krill, or small pieces of silverside 1-2 times a week.