Cylista ornata is a species of sea anemone belonging to the family Sagartiidae. This intriguing marine invertebrate is characterized by its vibrant colors and distinctive morphology, making it a captivating sight in the underwater world.
Description & Characteristics
Cylista ornata is a relatively small sea anemone, with an average size of a few centimeters in diameter. Its body is typically cylindrical in shape, with a smooth, fleshy column. The most striking feature of this species is its coloration: it exhibits a combination of bright red, orange, and yellow hues, creating a vibrant and captivating appearance. The tentacles of Cylista ornata are numerous and slender, arranged in rows around the oral disc. They are used for capturing prey and for defense.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cylista ornata is typically found in shallow, rocky, or sandy habitats along coastlines. It is a common inhabitant of intertidal zones and subtidal regions, often residing in crevices, under rocks, or among algae. The species is distributed throughout the temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the coasts of Western Europe.
Taxonomy
Cylista ornata is classified within the phylum Cnidaria, which includes a diverse array of aquatic invertebrates such as jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. This species belongs to the Class Hexacorallia, characterized by having six or multiples of six tentacles, and the Order Actiniaria, encompassing the true sea anemones. Within this order, it is a member of the Family Sagartiidae, a group known for their diverse morphology and coloration.
Feeding
Cylista ornata is a carnivorous predator, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, worms, and plankton. It uses its tentacles to capture prey, stinging and paralyzing them with nematocysts, specialized stinging cells located on the tentacles. Once subdued, the prey is transported to the mouth, where it is ingested and digested within the gastrovascular cavity of the sea anemone.
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