 : Actiniidae
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Taxonomy: Actiniaria:
Actiniidae
(Anemones)
Body Form: Anemones have thick bodies to which large, and often long, tentacles are attached. They usually live attached to the substrate. Some species will enlarge their tentacles when contacting other anemones and sting the 'opponent' with specialized nematocysts.
Diet: plankton, small fish
Care Level: easy/moderate
Natural History: Anemones are predatory and most species must eat. Some are zooxanthellate and get some of their nutrition from internal algae. Most anemones are solitary and do not grow in colonies. Many are symbiotic with fish such as clownfish. Due to the collection of anemones from reef areas, some anemones are becoming very scarce. They apparently live long lives as adults, some possibly hundreds of years. |
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