How do you care for a Malu (Macrodactyla doreensis) anemone?

Reviewed by the Fast Aquatics husbandry team · Updated May 2026
Quick answerMalu anemones require 100+ gallon tanks, 250-400 PAR lighting, sandy substrate (they burrow), 1.025-1.026 salinity, 76-80°F, and target-feeding silversides 2-3x/week. Compatible with several clownfish species (clarkii, sebae, mccullochi).

Full answer

The Malu anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis), also called the long-tentacle anemone or yellow Malu, is a sand-dwelling host anemone from Indo-Pacific reefs. Tank requirements: 100+ gallons, mature reef parameters (alk 8-9 dKH, calcium 420-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm). Substrate: deep aragonite sand 4+ inches - they bury their column in the sand and only the disc + tentacles are visible. Lighting: 250-400 PAR at the placement (Radion XR30 G6, Hydra HD52, or equivalent). Flow: moderate, varied, NOT direct on the disc. Feeding: target-feed silversides, mysis, krill 2-3x weekly. Compatible clownfish: clarkii, sebae, McCulloch's, allardi, polymnus. Will NOT host ocellaris or percula. Tankmate caution: potent stinging tentacles - keep fish that swim into the column at risk.

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