Large Flattened Anemone – Cryptodendrum adhaesivum

, Large Flattened Anemone, Cryptodendrum adhaesivum
Depth: 0 - 49 m

Afghanistan, Alaska, Algeria, Andaman and Nicobar, Angola, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Arctic, Argentina, Ascension Island, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores Islands, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Corsica Island, Crete Island, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, El Salvador, England, Equatorial Guinea, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, Galapagos Islands, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hawaii, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macedonia, Madagascar, Madeira Islands, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norfolk Island, North Korea, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Saint Martin, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sardinia Island, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Sicily Island, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, US Minor Islands, USA, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf

The Large Flattened Anemone, scientifically known as Cryptodendrum adhaesivum, is a striking and captivating species of sea anemone. This anemone’s distinctive flattened form and vibrant coloration make it a fascinating sight in its natural habitat.

Description & Characteristics

Cryptodendrum adhaesivum is characterized by its flattened, disc-like body, often reaching a considerable size. Its surface is typically covered in numerous tentacles, which are arranged in a radial pattern around the central mouth. These tentacles are typically short and stubby, giving the anemone a somewhat “furry” appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

Cryptodendrum adhaesivum is typically found in shallow, tropical waters, often inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas. It prefers clear, well-lit environments, as it relies on the symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae that live within its tissues. These symbiotic algae provide the anemone with energy through photosynthesis, making them an integral part of the anemone’s survival. The Large Flattened Anemone’s habitat preference typically falls within the neritic zone, the marine zone extending from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

Cryptodendrum adhaesivum belongs to the Class Hexacorallia, an extensive group of marine invertebrates characterized by their six-fold symmetry. Within this class, it is further classified into the Order Actiniaria, which encompasses a diverse array of sea anemones. Finally, it is placed within the Family Thalassianthidae, a family of anemones that exhibit a flattened, disc-like morphology. This taxonomic classification reflects the evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics among these marine organisms.

Feeding

Cryptodendrum adhaesivum is carnivorous, feeding primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates that come within reach of its tentacles. It paralyzes its prey with stinging nematocysts, located within the tentacles. These nematocysts are specialized stinging cells that inject toxins into the prey, effectively immobilizing it. The Large Flattened Anemone has also been observed consuming clam meat, coralfish of all kinds, smelts, and even occasionally plankton. This diverse diet reflects its opportunistic nature, making it a successful predator in its marine environment.

Associated Species

Image References

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