Nexus Joker Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)

The Nexus Joker Bubble Tip Anemone is a distinctive color morph of the popular Bubble Tip Anemone, appreciated for its contrasting coloration and flowing tentacle movement. Its fleshy tentacles may develop the characteristic rounded or “bubble” tips associated with the species, although the degree of bubbling can naturally vary with the individual and aquarium conditions. Under reef lighting, its contrasting pigments become particularly noticeable, while blue-spectrum lighting can emphasize its fluorescent tones.

Like other Entacmaea quadricolor, the Nexus Joker anchors its foot deep within a rock crevice and expands its oral disc and tentacles into the surrounding water. Once comfortable, it can become a prominent centerpiece with constant natural movement. Bubble Tip Anemones are also well known for their potential relationship with compatible clownfish, although hosting behavior is never guaranteed.

Recommended Care

Scientific Name: Entacmaea quadricolor
Common Name: Nexus Joker Bubble Tip Anemone, Bubble Tip Anemone
Care Level: Moderate
Lighting: Moderate to High — approximately 100–250 PAR
Water Flow: Moderate — varied, indirect flow that allows the tentacles to move naturally without being continuously blasted
Placement: Middle to Upper aquarium; ultimately determined by the anemone
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Growth Form: Solitary anemone that may reproduce by natural fission once established
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic; occasional supplemental meaty foods can be beneficial

Placement & Flow

Bubble Tip Anemones should be introduced to a mature, stable reef aquarium with rockwork that provides deep holes and crevices where the foot can securely attach. Unlike corals that remain where they are placed, a Bubble Tip Anemone can move around the aquarium until it finds a combination of lighting, flow, and protection that suits it.

Provide moderate, indirect and varied water movement. Excessively strong direct flow may cause the anemone to remain contracted or relocate, while insufficient circulation can allow debris to accumulate around it.

Because Bubble Tip Anemones can move and possess stinging tentacles, leave adequate space between the anemone and neighboring corals. Powerheads and other exposed pump intakes should be properly guarded, as a wandering anemone can be seriously injured if it reaches an unprotected intake.

Lighting

The Nexus Joker Bubble Tip Anemone generally performs well under moderate to moderately high reef lighting of approximately 100–250 PAR. Individual specimens may settle at different intensities, so their behavior and expansion should be monitored rather than relying solely on a specific PAR number.

When moving the anemone into a significantly brighter aquarium, gradual light acclimation is recommended. Under blue-spectrum reef lighting, the contrasting pigments and fluorescent coloration can become especially pronounced, while a balanced spectrum provides a more natural representation of its overall color.

Feeding

The Nexus Joker Bubble Tip Anemone is primarily photosynthetic, receiving much of its energy through its symbiotic dinoflagellates. A healthy specimen maintained under appropriate lighting does not require heavy feeding.

Occasional supplemental feeding can support growth and overall condition. Offer appropriately sized portions of mysis shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, or other marine-based meaty foods. Avoid oversized portions and excessive feeding, as uneaten food can negatively affect water quality.

With its distinctive coloration, flowing tentacles, and classic Bubble Tip Anemone form, the Nexus Joker Bubble Tip Anemone makes an impressive living centerpiece for an established reef aquarium. Its combination of movement, fluorescent reef-light appearance, and potential interaction with compatible clownfish gives it a presence that few stationary corals can match.