Mediterranean Beadlet Anemone

Overview

The Mediterranean beadlet anemone is a common, bright red sea anemone of rocky shores. It is easily mistaken for its close relative, the beadlet anemone (Actinia equina), and the two share some common names. It is often found in the intertidal zone, so snorkelers and shore explorers can see it without diving.

Distribution & habitat

It lives along rocky shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the coast of Portugal and northwest Africa. It attaches to rock, usually in spots out of direct sunlight, and occurs on both exposed and sheltered shores. It copes well with tides, changes in temperature and salinity, and drying out. At low tide it pulls in its tentacles and looks like a small red tomato.

Appearance

The smooth, soft body is bright red with a thin blue line around the base of the foot. This blue border is the main feature that separates it from A. equina. Underwater it shows many short, retractable tentacles in six concentric rows. It is also slightly larger than A. equina.

Biology & behavior

This anemone is solitary and stays fixed to the rock with its cylindrical foot, which works like a suction pad.

Feeding

It is an active carnivore and catches prey at night with its stinging tentacles. Its diet includes zooplankton, small fish, tiny crustaceans and organic matter drifting in the water.