The Collared Sand Anemone, scientifically known as Actinostella flosculifera, is a captivating marine invertebrate that exhibits a unique blend of beauty and resilience. This anemone is readily recognized by its distinctive collared appearance, contributing to its common name.
Description & Characteristics
The Actinostella flosculifera typically attains a maximum size of around 10 centimeters in diameter. Its body is characterized by a columnar structure, typically adorned with a variety of colors, including shades of brown, green, and orange. The anemone’s most striking feature is its “collar,” a raised, prominent ring that encircles its oral disc. This collar serves as a prominent visual identifier for this species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Actinostella flosculifera is a common inhabitant of intertidal and subtidal zones, predominantly in the Indo-Pacific region. Its distribution spans a wide geographical range, including locations such as the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. This anemone demonstrates a preference for sandy or muddy substrates, typically residing at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to around 10 meters.
Taxonomy
The species Actinostella flosculifera belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Actiniaria, and Family: Actiniidae. These classifications reflect its evolutionary history and shared characteristics with other anemones.
Feeding
The Actinostella flosculifera is an opportunistic carnivore, relying on a combination of strategies to acquire sustenance. It primarily feeds on plankton, which it captures using its stinging tentacles. The anemone also harbors zooxanthellae within its tissues, symbiotic algae that provide a supplementary food source through photosynthesis. The combination of these feeding methods ensures the anemone’s survival in diverse marine environments.
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