If you translate the name “Ricordea”,
it likely means "1.000 pearls"...
Ricordeas are also called "wrong Florida
corals”. They are a type of “anemone",
therefore not "real" 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 color-pigmentation of the
Ricordeas is comparable to the tone of the depth of the
water, in which they live. Moreover, the color is strongly
dependent on the temperature and the season. We know that
Ricordeas can alter the colors 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 color.
In storms or hurricanes, the anemones fade-out
of color. 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 color of the polyps
extremely changes. Especially, colors like orange in the
most different shapings and combinations can be observed.
However, the situation is nearly vice-versa in the winter
and colors like blue and green originate – comparable
to the colors 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 colors of the
Ricordeas turn out very differently. During this period
of time, one can find beside the most different singles-colors
many so-called multi-color Ricordeas partially reflecting
the whole range of different colors.
Like described above, the action the nature
enables us to find polyps in most different colors during
the entire year. Due to the natural mutation, polyps of
identical colors are not always available and the colorness
may vary throughout the year. Please consider that no human
being can predict, how many Ricordeas will be available
and in which color-shapings they may occur.
Each single Ricordea is a masterpiece and
one exclusive part of individuality!
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 color-shapings
than those coming from the Caribic. Ricordea florida anemones
are very rare animals world-wide, which show an indescribable
color-splendor. 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 colorings and most intensive color-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 phyto-plankton.
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!
“Ricordea-Farm.com" is your
exclusive partner for Ricordeas with its own location
and diver-team in Florida for both German and for European
market.
