Ricordeas are also called wrongly Florida corals. They are a type of anemone, therefore not really a coral. They come from the family of the Corallimorpharian, that occur in different colors of orange and green to neon-green and shining blue.
Ricordeas anemones grow to a diameter of 4 to 10 cm and can show up to six mouth-openings per animal.
Our experience and observation of Ricordeas in their natural surroundings, we know that the colour-pigmentation of the Ricordeas is comparable to the tone of the depth of the water, in which they live. Moreover, the colour is strongly dependent on the temperature and the season. We know that Ricordeas can alter the colours of their tentacles and their mouth at least three times a year. This phenomenon is, however, mainly observed in their natural environment and rarely occurs in the aquarium
Ricordeas differ in size and brightness, depending not only on the depth of the water but also on its temperature. The duration and the intensity of the sunlight are playing a decisive role in their colour.
In storms and hurricanes the anemones fade colour. They can become partially transparent. This behaviour illustrates that Ricordeas behave like a chameleon adjusting to the outer circumstances.
During the summer the sun is more intense and the water of the ocean is considerably warmer and clearer as it is in winter. At this time, the colour of the polyps extremely changes. Especially, colours like orange in the most different shapes and combinations can be observed. However, the situation is nearly vice-versa in the winter and colours like blue and green originate – comparable to the colours of the ocean at this time of the year, in which the water is less clear and the sun shines shorter and less intense. In the time between, the colours of the Ricordeas turn out very differently. During this period of time, one can find beside the most different singles-colours many so-called multi-colour Ricordeas partially reflecting the whole range of different colours.
Ricordeas can be found in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Caribbean Sea. Remarking is, however, that those coming from the Atlantic do have much more intense colour shape than those coming from the Caribic. Ricordea florida anemones are very rare animals world-wide, which show an indescribable colour splendour. Despite the rarity and difficulty to breed Ricordeas they can be kept very easily. This simple handling of the polyps is another reason why Ricordeas became so popular. So to speak, Ricordeas are the secret-recipe in order to give a special touch of individuality to your aquarium without much expenditure and, to get the most exceptional colourings and most intensive colour-nuances into your tank!
Ricordeas especially do feel well in the aquarium if the light-circumstances are correct and the current is not too tough in the tank. Ricordea-fans from all around the world reported that Ricordeas react very sensitively on too strong currents and too strong illumination. The photosynthesis with the help of Zooxanthellen plays an important role of their nutrition. They live beside that also through food from the surroundings. Ricordeas in our farm are additionally fed with phytoplankton.
The increase takes place through the polyps themselves, provided they feel comfortable in your tank. They settle on a stone and then begin to divide.
Ricordeas are not poisonous or toxic for your aquarium and don't represent any danger for your fish in addition. However, caution is necessary concerning the handling of Ricordeas. If you press on the polyp too strongly, it could reject secretions. In case that you get those into your eye, immediate medical advice is more than appropriate!