Name: Cloning anemone, aggregating anemone
Scientific Name: Anthopleura elegantissima
Family: Actiniidae
Group: Anemones, corals and jellyfish
Class: Invertebrates
Size: 0-10 cm.
These anemones occur individually or in dense and numerous aggregations that cover vast areas from the tidal zone to depths of 18 m. These aggregations consist of individuals descended from a single anemone and are genetically identical, in other words, clones.They are primitive animals that feed on other smaller invertebrates, which come into contact with their tentacles. The tentacles have tiny spikes that inject poison into the prey, leaving it numb, while it is swallowed and digested by the anemone.
Photo by:
Mary Jo Adams (www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu)
Invertebrates
