Home of the clown anemonefish - The world’s first successful breeding of the gigantic sea anemone!

　The world’s first successful breeding of the gigantic sea anemone took place at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and the breeding individuals will be exhibited on April 29th (Friday).

Both the gigantic sea anemone and the clown anemonefish were born at the aquarium

≪Gigantic sea anemone≫
Scientific name：Stichodactyla gigantea

　The gigantic sea anemone is widely distributed in coral reefs from the Indian Ocean to the West Pacific Ocean. In Japan, it is found southward from the Amami Islands. It is a large anemone reaching 50 cm in diameter. Like some corals, it has phytoplankton called zooxanthellae in its body, and it absorbs the nutrients created by photosynthesis. Many tentacles cover its oral disc (upper area of its body), and its edge is pleated with deep folds. This species is known for its symbiotic relationship with clown anemonefish.

　While the gigantic sea anemone is popular in aquariums, due to difficulties in determining its gender, breeding techniques of this species had not been established. At our facility, we have developed our own methods for rearing and determining males and females. By doing this we confirmed spawning of this species in 2020 and 2021.

The gigantic sea anemone that was bred in the aquarium will be exhibited with clown anemonefish that were born in the aquarium.

Place of exhibit

Coral Reef Gallery

Exhibited creatures

Gigantic sea anemone（Born in 2021）、Clown anemonefish（Born in 2022）

Exhibit duration

April 29th 2022～
*Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animals.

Through rearing and breeding of this species, we have gained new knowledge of its spawning behavior and its growth. As this species is at risk of a declining population due to over collection, breeding techniques are an important part of species conservation.

The footage of the gigantic sea anemone spawning can be viewed on the Ocean Expo Park / Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium’s Official YouTube channel.