Gig ‘ems Grand Gigantea Gathering

[gig 'em]

I wanted to make a thread that follows my dealings with Stychodactyla gigantea (gig) carpet anemones and post updates to some experiments with them.

My first post I want to introduce maybe the most rare gig I’ve come across so far, a red gig. The classification of this anemone was under question for a while, but I flew out to California, brought it back with me, treated it, and it’s my opinion that this is indeed a red gig.

My reasoning for why I think it’s a gig is because it does have the trademark verrucae, though they aren’t the bright purple that I’m used to. Additionally the anemone has two siphonoglyphs with bright purple spots on them inside the mouth that is common among my other gigs. Lastly, the tentacles are longer than that of haddoni and stick to my finger to the point that they tear off the anemone. I have seen this with my other gigs as well.

Verrucae

Fluorescent red under actinics

Siphonoglyphs

My intent is to figure out how to spawn gigs in captivity and use the red to bring some amazing color morphs to the hobby that are truly sustainably sourced. I’ve successfully spawned gold torches in my system and I’m hopeful I can do the same with the anemones. I’m also experimenting with some asexual reproductive strategies of gigs too, which I will post about later.

 

[FarmerTy]

Following. This is fascinating! I want your first blue and red gig hybrid.

 

[James M]

Following !

 

[dvgyfresh]

That’s soo cool! I’ve had bubble tips spawn , only once and it happend when I did a water change with water that was sitting outside probly a big temp difference with warmer water coming in

 

[jamie1210]

This is so awesome! Red gigs are NOT unicorns after all

Where in California did u pick it up from? Being from LA, I'm so curious!

 

[argiBK]

Incredible and such a healthy specimen!

Who in CA was able to source the gig and how did you learn of it?

 

[gig 'em]

A few photos of my other gigs in the DT. I feel like I have the full color range of gigs covered now.

 

[gig 'em]

I believe this anemone came from LAX Aquarium and talking with them they either cherry pick from wholesale importers or they got it from Indonesia.

 

[argiBK]

Real nice! These are my two gigs, still small ~5-6", but my absolute favorites.

Going to be following along. Now that red gigs are confirmed, definitely want to see how your breeding efforts go!

 

[Rtaylor]

I recently received my first gig. The 3-4” blue gig is more like 10-12”……guess I’ll have to move it out of the nano tank much sooner than expected. Currently in cipro treatment just in case. Below is a pic straight from the bag. Interested to see how your efforts progress

 

[jamie1210]

I believe this anemone came from LAX Aquarium and talking with them they either cherry pick from wholesale importers or they got it from Indonesia.

Glad you got it from them. The owners a really nice guy

 

[Hot2na]

I've got some pretty weird colored ones also..Not the standard blue , purple green or tan..1 is blueish green and the other dark colored with blue/green tentacles...I have another that is very light seafoam green color....
I find that mine color up differently than most -As my DT uses NSW...not sure if that's really it...but worth mentioning..

 

[Nemguy123]

I wanted to make a thread that follows my dealings with Stychodactyla gigantea (gig) carpet anemones and post updates to some experiments with them.

My first post I want to introduce maybe the most rare gig I’ve come across so far, a red gig. The classification of this anemone was under question for a while, but I flew out to California, brought it back with me, treated it, and it’s my opinion that this is indeed a red gig.

My reasoning for why I think it’s a gig is because it does have the trademark verrucae, though they aren’t the bright purple that I’m used to. Additionally the anemone has two siphonoglyphs with bright purple spots on them inside the mouth that is common among my other gigs. Lastly, the tentacles are longer than that of haddoni and stick to my finger to the point that they tear off the anemone. I have seen this with my other gigs as well.

View attachment 2288679

Verrucae
View attachment 2288680

Fluorescent red under actinics
View attachment 2288681

Siphonoglyphs
View attachment 2288682

My intent is to figure out how to spawn gigs in captivity and use the red to bring some amazing color morphs to the hobby that are truly sustainably sourced. I’ve successfully spawned gold torches in my system and I’m hopeful I can do the same with the anemones. I’m also experimenting with some asexual reproductive strategies of gigs too, which I will post about later.

I’ve see Very very large red haddoni on the regular that look like that. for some reason the giants always have longer tentacles and faint verracue. I think they might be more of a cross over like the yellowish ones that come In as well. they have sort of a mix between haddoni and gigatea characteristics. But I’m pretty sure magnifica and gigantea are more closely related than gig and haddoni so, it might just be a whole different sub species just not recognized.

 

[Nemguy123]

Big shipment today you can see one of the green haddoni looks like that red some verracue and longer tentacles

 

[Nemguy123]

Here are the pics

 

[lemonade]

Absolutely insane! It has my vote for Gigantea. I know they’re out there it’s so cool to see someone on the forum with one. Looking forward to updates of this.

 

[D-Nak]

Looks like a red gig to me! Probably the third one I’ve seen. There is one at Greenrich Aquaria in CT and the other arrived in San Diego but died a couple of weeks later. Best of luck with it!

 

[gig 'em]

Looks like a red gig to me! Probably the third one I’ve seen. There is one at Greenrich Aquaria in CT and the other arrived in San Diego but died a couple of weeks later. Best of luck with it!

I remember the one in San Diego. I can’t find the thread, but I remember that it didn’t last. I’m curious about more details on the one at Greenrich

 

[gig 'em]

I’ve see Very very large red haddoni on the regular that look like that. for some reason the giants always have longer tentacles and faint verracue. I think they might be more of a cross over like the yellowish ones that come In as well. they have sort of a mix between haddoni and gigatea characteristics. But I’m pretty sure magnifica and gigantea are more closely related than gig and haddoni so, it might just be a whole different sub species just not recognized.

Do you have a picture of the siphonoglyphs of any of your haddoni? I have a theory Id like to test.

 

[Nemguy123]

What part is that?? I have plenty of large haddoni in my care rn including a super rare rainbow. I’ll take pics of whatever that is just don’t know what I’m taking a pic of?:’)