Name: Giant green anemone
Scientific Name: Anthopleura xanthogrammica
Family: Actiniidae
Group: Anemones, corals and jellyfish
Class: Invertebrates
Size: 26-50 cm.
The giant green anemone does not form aggregations and always occurs alone, from the tidal zone to depths of 30 m. Its colour is due in part to the presence of microscopic algae that live on its body. In this symbiosis, the algae benefit from shelter and nutrients, and the anemone uses some of the nutritious substances that the algae produce. It also captures crabs, sea urchins and small fish that come into contact with its tentacles. These have tiny spikes that inject poison into the prey, numbing them, while they are swallowed and digested by the anemone.
Photo by:
Abílio Leitão
Invertebrates
