false anemone meconopsis macrophylla 

‍This article explains everything you need to know about false anemones, also known as anemone macrophylla. What is a false anemone? These tropical sea anemones look very similar to the real deal but their common name is a misnomer. A false anemone does not have any life cycle like other species of anemones. They are not reproducing by releasing new individuals or by seed. Instead, they are artificial nymphs that grow in tanks and refugia where there is water and sunlight available. False anemones are created when humans alter the natural environment of these marine critters. These nymphs live in algae-covered rocks or coral reefs where their captors supply them with artificial food and water from above the surface of the water via pumped hoses.

What is the difference between a false anemone and a normal anemone?

The differences between a false anemone and a normal anemone are pretty much the same as between a real anemone and a fictive one. The main difference between a false anemone and a normal anemone is that a false anemone does not have a recognizable separate lifecycle like the lifecycle of a normal anemone. Artificial nymphs of false anemones are created by humans and then released into the wild when the tanks are ready for another batch.

How to Identify a False Anemone

To identify a false anemone, it is best to look carefully at the adult anemone. The false anemone looks very similar to the normal anemone, but it has a greenish-yellowish tint to it instead of the regular anemone’s white color. The difference between a false anemone and a regular anemone can be seen when you hold them up to the light. The false anemone’s tentacles are skinny, while the rest of the anemone is robust. Other species look alike, making the identification process very easy. If you see a false anemone, chances are good that you have it right as well.

What is the Life Cycle of a False Anemone?

The life cycle of a false anemone is pretty much the same as that of a normal anemone. The lifecycle of a false anemone begins with the growth of the anemone from a minute egg into a fully-grown adult, and then it ends with the death of the anemone. The only difference between the lifecycle of a false anemone and a normal anemone is that the creation of these artificial nymphs does not require the services of an existing anemone. Instead, a false anemone can be grown in a tank filled with water alone. The size of the tank should be sufficient to hold at least one real anemone, but not so large as to hinder the movement of the tank inhabitants.

The Threat of Asian Traveler’s Diarrhea – A False Anemone Example

The threat posed by the Asian traveler’s diarrhea (ATD) is one that almost all aquarists are aware of. The Asian traveler’s diarrhea is caused by a type of bacteria called novel pathogens. The pathogens are harmful to both people and wildlife, and in the case of the ATD bacteria, they have been found in stool samples from fish in several different countries. The bacteria is relatively easy to identify, and the symptoms can be easily recognized by the patients themselves. The patients usually develop abdominal cramps and diarrhea daily, and they can be quite stubborn about it. Some fish may never develop ATD, while other species are affected very often and end up in a tank without any fish at all

Can You Raise a False Anemone in captivity?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. All you need to do is to find a suitable location to keep your false anemone and provide the necessary conditions for its growth. Ideally, this location should be a large, well-lit tank with plenty of water flow and a constant source of fresh water. If you have a spare room or a balcony, you can try growing your false anemone there. If not, a typically mixed aquarium with water plants, some lighting, and a few fake rocks will do the job just fine.

Final Words

The life cycle of a false anemone is very similar to that of a real anemone, but some important differences will be discussed below. First, the growth of a false anemone takes much longer than that of a real anemone. Also, instead of releasing new individuals into the environment, false anemones are created by the artificial fertilization of a normal anemone. As a result, false anemones are not as vulnerable to environmental changes as normal anemones.