Parasitic Anemone – Calliactis parasitica

, Parasitic Anemone - Calliactis parasitica, Calliactis parasitica

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The Parasitic Anemone – Calliactis parasitica is a captivating and fascinating sea anemone known for its symbiotic relationship with certain crabs. This anemone is a striking sight with its vibrant colors and unique form. It is a member of the family Hormathiidae, belonging to the Class Hexacorallia and Order Actiniaria within the animal kingdom.

Description & Characteristics

The Calliactis parasitica is a relatively small anemone, typically reaching a maximum size of 5 cm in diameter. Its body is adorned with a variety of colors, often displaying shades of red, brown, or orange. The anemone’s body is covered in numerous tentacles, which are arranged in a circular pattern around its oral disc. These tentacles play a vital role in capturing prey and providing protection. The Calliactis parasitica is also known for its distinctive ability to contract its body into a compact ball when threatened.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Parasitic Anemone thrives in a variety of marine habitats. It is commonly found in muddy grounds, typically residing in shallow to deeper waters. This species exhibits a preference for the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deeper zones of the oceans, often dwelling in the lower limit of the intertidal zone and extending to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters water depth. This makes the Calliactis parasitica a characteristic inhabitant of the neritic zone, a marine ecosystem characterized by its close proximity to the coastline and relative shallowness.

Taxonomy

The species Calliactis parasitica belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Actiniaria, and Family: Hormathiidae. This classification places it within a group of diverse and fascinating marine invertebrates known for their distinctive radial symmetry and stinging tentacles. Hexacorallia, as the name suggests, refers to the presence of six or multiples of six tentacles, while Actiniaria encompasses the true sea anemones. The family Hormathiidae includes a variety of sea anemones that often exhibit symbiotic relationships with other organisms, as is the case with the Calliactis parasitica.

Feeding

The Calliactis parasitica is a carnivore, relying on a diet of invertebrates, including zooplankton, small crustaceans, and other small marine organisms. Its feeding behavior is heavily influenced by its symbiotic relationship with certain crabs, primarily the common hermit crab. The anemone utilizes its stinging tentacles to capture prey, paralyzing them before consuming them. This symbiotic relationship benefits both organisms. The anemone receives a mobile platform, access to food, and protection from predators. In return, the crab gains defense from its predators due to the anemone’s stinging tentacles. The crab may also benefit from the anemone’s feeding activities, occasionally consuming food scraps or even directly consuming prey captured by the anemone. This symbiotic relationship is a prime example of mutualism in the marine ecosystem.

Associated Species

Image References

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