Anemonia alicemartinae, commonly known as the Sea Anemone, is a captivating marine invertebrate belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. These captivating creatures are characterized by their distinctive flower-like appearance, often adorning rocky shores and coral reefs with their vibrant colors.
Description & Characteristics
Anemonia alicemartinae can reach a considerable size, with some individuals growing up to a few centimeters in diameter. Their bodies are typically cylindrical, with a single opening that serves as both mouth and anus. Surrounding this opening is a crown of tentacles that are covered in stinging cells called nematocysts. These nematocysts are used to capture prey and defend against predators.
Habitat and Occurrence
Anemonia alicemartinae is primarily found in the neritic zone, a marine zone that encompasses the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral areas. This zone extends from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters in depth. As a result, these sea anemones are commonly encountered on rocky shores, coral reefs, and other hard substrates within this depth range.
Taxonomy
Anemonia alicemartinae is classified within the phylum Cnidaria, a diverse group of animals that includes jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. It belongs to the Class Hexacorallia, which comprises anemones and corals with six or multiples of six tentacles. Further classification places it within the Order Actiniaria, a group exclusively composed of sea anemones. Finally, it is a member of the Family Actiniidae, a large family of sea anemones that are commonly found in coastal waters worldwide.
Feeding
Anemonia alicemartinae is a predatory carnivore that relies on a variety of marine invertebrates for sustenance. Its diet includes a wide range of prey, including clams, crabs, crustaceans, edible crabs, sea urchins, and worms. Their stinging tentacles capture and paralyze prey, allowing them to be transported to the mouth for consumption.
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