Amphiprion melanopus anemonefish in a bubble anemone from East Timor.
E. quadricolor anemones often appear in a variety of morphs, including rose, orange, red and standard green. This sea anemone can grow to be up to a 30 cm (1 ft) in diameter, and obtains the majority of its energy from solar radiation (sunlight) via its symbiotic zooxanthellae. Nutrients are generally obtained by filter feeding using its sweeping tentacles, or through wastes and debris cleaned from the surface of its partner clownfish. In aquariums, this sea anemone will reproduce asexually when in proper care with supplemented minerals such as iodine and other trace elements (usually purchased as an enrichment cocktail by most home aquarists).

The popular Bubble Tip Anemone is the favorite anemone of the Maroon Clown Fish. This anemone has an appearance unique among many captive anemones, and is considered by many to be easier to care for than many other anemones commonly used to host Clown Fish.

Bubble Tip Anemones often remain in the area of the aquarium they are placed in, and do not often wander about their tanks. In the cases that they do move around, it is usually due to conditions that they are unhappy with. Generally, they prefer to be in an area of moderate current, though not in a strong direct current. Many aquarists claim that a random or alternating current works best for Bubble Tip Anemones. Bright lighting is also important for Bubble Tip Anemones since they are photosynthetic, as is good water quality. In the wild, Bubble Tip Anemones are found in two locations. Large specimens, with tentacles that are more streaming or stringy, are often found in deeper waters with more dimly lit conditions. These specimens are often solitary. Smaller specimens are often located in groups or colonies, nearer to the surface, in bright sunlight. These specimens tend to show the bulbous tips on their tentacles that are characteristic to Bubble Tip Anemones. Although there are various theories about why some Bubble Tip Anemones develop these tips and some do not, it is widely believed that the bulbs are related to the light level in the anemone's habitat; specimens given more light are believed to have bubble tipped tentacles.

Specific Care Information: Relative Care Ease: Average

Bubble Tip Anemones usually thrive in temperatures between 76 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 26 degrees Celsius). The specific gravity should be about 1.024, and the pH should be 8.3 to 8.4. It is important that the specific gravity remain constant. Bright lighting should be provided. Normally, very high output fluorescent light, or metal halide light, should work nicely. Hourly water turnover at about ten times the size of the tank should be provided; for example, a 40 gallon tank should turn over 400 gallons of water each hour. Current should not be directed at the anemone; rather, try an indirect current. As with all anemones, be sure that all current devices are blocked off so that your Bubble Tip Anemone cannot get sucked inside. A rock with many crevices, or an area of rocks, should be provided so your Bubble Tip Anemone may anchor itself. When keeping a Bubble Tip Anemone in an aquarium with many different species of corals, it is often best to place the anemone in before the corals. This allows the anemone to select a spot it likes and helps prevent it moving across your corals later. As long as your lighting is good, you should not need to feed your anemone. This is because it can subsist very well on photosynthesis. It is true that anemones can catch and eat fish but feeding them can cause problems and is not necessary. When purchasing a Bubble Tip Anemone, choose a specimen that is anchored to some object in the tank. Do not purchase pale or bleached specimens; likewise, any specimens that appear unnaturally brightly colored probably are not healthy. Never purchase an anemone with a distended mouth, as this is a sign of poor health.
If your anemone begins to move about the aquarium, this is a sign that something is not right. Often it will be more likely to start moving just before your normal water changes since this is when water quality is poorest. If you pay attention to the behavior of these anemones, you will learn a lot about the conditions of your aquarium.

Breeding and Propagation: Relative Breeding Ease: Average

Large Bubble Tip Anemones will often reproduce when healthy. Over a period of weeks, the anemone will increase in size. This large anemone will usually seclude itself in a protected rock or crevice. A second mouth will form, and gradually the anemone will appear to divide, pulling away from itself to form two anemones. Bubble Tip Anemones may reproduce multiple times in this manner, and usually new anemones remain close to the original as long as the water conditions are good.