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General Characteristics• There are more than 1,000 sea
anemone species found throughout the world’s oceans at various depths• Largest and most varied occur in
coastal tropical waters. • They run the full spectrum of
colors
General Characteristics• Range in size from 0.5 in. - 6 feet across.• Some species of sea anemone can live 50 years
or more
• The ornately colored sea anemone (uh-NEM-uh-nee) is named after the equally flashy terrestrial anemone flower• A close relative of coral and jellyfish• Anemones are stinging polyps that spend most of their time attached
to rocks on the sea bottom or on coral reefs • Waiting for fish to pass close enough to get ensnared in their venom-
filled tentacles.
Body Plan
• Their bodies are composed of an adhesive pedal disc, or foot• Cylindrical body with radial
symmetry• Array of tentacles surrounding a
central mouth
Pedal Disc attached to substrate
Body Plan
• The tentacles are triggered by the slightest touch, firing a harpoon-like filament into their victim and injecting a paralyzing neurotoxin.• The helpless prey is then guided
into the mouth by the tentacles
Feeding
• The tentacles are triggered by the slightest touch• Fire a harpoon-like filament into their victim and injecting a paralyzing
neurotoxin.• Helpless prey is then guided into the mouth by the tentacles
Feeding postures of M. senile in current (Left) and slack water (Right)
• Some anemones, like their coral cousins, establish symbiotic relationships with green algae• In exchange for providing the algae safe harbor and exposure to
sunlight, the anemone receives oxygen and sugar, the by-products of the algae's photosynthesis.
• They form another, more famous symbiotic alliance with clownfish, which are protected by a mucus layer that makes them immune to the anemone's sting. • Clownfish live within the anemone’s tentacles, getting protection
from predators• Anemone snacks on the scraps from the clownfish’s meals.
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