Epiactis handi is a species of sea anemone found in various marine ecosystems. This particular species belongs to the family Actiniidae, which is part of the order Actiniaria and the class Hexacorallia. Epiactis handi is a fascinating example of the diversity found within the world of sea anemones.
Description & Characteristics
Epiactis handi is a small sea anemone with a maximum size of approximately 25 millimeters in diameter. Its body is typically cylindrical and has a smooth, translucent texture. The anemone’s coloration can vary, ranging from pale white to light brown or yellowish. It possesses numerous tentacles that are arranged in circles around its mouth, with the number of tentacles varying depending on the individual. Epiactis handi is a solitary creature and does not form colonies.
Habitat and Occurrence
Epiactis handi typically inhabits intertidal and subtidal zones, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. It is commonly found attached to rocks, shells, or other solid substrates. This anemone is widely distributed in the Northeast Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to California. Its preferred marine zones include the intertidal, subtidal, and infralittoral regions, which are defined by their proximity to the shoreline and the depth of the water.
Taxonomy
Epiactis handi belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Actiniaria, and Family: Actiniidae. These classifications reflect its evolutionary history and shared characteristics with other related species.
Feeding
Epiactis handi is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, plankton, and other small organisms. Its tentacles are covered in stinging cells called nematocysts, which it uses to paralyze prey. Once a prey item is caught, the tentacles bring it towards the mouth where it is ingested.
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