"When they are pure white this is a sign that this zooxanthellae has left the animal."

Generally I would agree, but in these anemones I do not believe that this is true. A change in color IS associated with a change in the zooxanthellae, but the zooxanthellae can also take on different colors depending upon other conditions around it such as light, temperature, etc.

As an example...

Tentacles range from long and thin to short and fat depending on the condition of the anemone (short and fat usually means it is starting to waste away). Tentacles usually have magenta colored tips although yellowish-green tips are not uncommon. Colors can be dyed yellow, dyed pink, natural pink/purple, natural yellow, tan, but by far the most common is pure white. The oral disk may also have a green sheen under actinic light.

Carl,

Where is that quote from?

I have never seen a Sebae live for longer then a year in captivity without regaining (at least in my opinion) it's zooxanthellae and turning at least slightly brown.

Also I would like to know the reference to where zooxanthellae can change color in different conditions.

Jake Pehrson wrote: Where is that quote from? Also I would like to know the reference to where zooxanthellae can change color in different conditions.

Jake, take a look at http://fins.actwin.com/species/anemone.html - http://fins.actwin.com/species/anemone.html  as one example.

I will also agree with you that it is often impossible or at least unlikely that they will survive in captivity. Now, whether or not these are already anemones in demise I cannot answer. Maybe it is assumed that a large number of anemones of a certain species were documented in demise and it was assumed that this white or almost transparent color is normal? I cannot explain this further. Perhaps I should have put a disclaimer up, "I have read that..."?

As for the color change in zooxanthellae, I picked that up from http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1890087475/ref=nosim/sandybaymarinere - Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History  by Eric H. Borneman I believe. If I have time, I will try to find the chapter.

But, if you think about it, the zoox. changes in many corals depending upon condition. Example, yellow cup corals will often turn brown if you increase their lighting exposure. Other corals may turn lighter if the temperature in the water changes. I have seen it... haven't you?

I'm with Jake.  All the zooxanthellae I've seen were brown as brown can be.

Adam

AFAIK, all zooxanthellae is brown.  The colors seen in corals are due to photoactive pigments, not zooxanthellae.

Jake, take a look at http://fins.actwin.com/species/anemone.html - http://fins.actwin.com/species/anemone.html  as one example.

From that same source under "bad points" for the sebae:

Bad Points- No one I have spoken with, not even the public aquariums, can keep the white or yellow ones alive for more than 6-8 months. Out of the over 20 responses I received regarding sebaes only 2 anemones had stayed alive for over one year. Both of the anemones were tan in color either when purchased or had turned tan shortly there after. One thought is that sebae anemones may expel their symbiotic algae shortly after capture and when it is completely gone it is not easily replaced.

[QUOTE=dmanshep]interesting , I would say there is a lot of merrit in the fact that zooxanthellae can change color. Hence looks at all this sps that looks one way in someones tank and then takes on a whole new look in another. I also feel that there is alot to be said about what someone might feed,

a good read about zooxanthellae if you have time

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2002/cw.htm/QUOTE - http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2002/cw.htm[/QUOTE ]

Even the article that you mention says that zooxanthellae is a golden brown algae.

I don't think the bright colors we see in SPS are the zooxanthellae, but I could be wrong.  Everything I have read says that zooxanthellae is brown, that is why I am interested in finding some type of literature that says differently.