Starlet Anemone, Starlet Sea Anemone – Nematostella vectensis

, Starlet Anemone, Starlet Sea Anemone - Nematostella vectensis, Nematostella vectensis

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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, Yellow Sea

The Starlet Anemone, Starlet Sea Anemone, scientifically known as Nematostella vectensis, is a captivating species of sea anemone found in various coastal environments. This small but remarkable creature plays a vital role in its ecosystem, contributing to the intricate balance of life in the marine world.

Description & Characteristics

The Starlet Anemone, Nematostella vectensis, is a relatively small anemone, reaching a maximum size of around 2.5 cm in diameter. Its body is cylindrical and elongated, typically ranging from 1 to 2 cm in height. It possesses a distinctive, slightly pointed tip at the top, which houses its mouth and tentacles. The tentacles are arranged in rings around the mouth, providing a crucial tool for capturing food. The anemone’s body is usually a pale brown or beige color, occasionally displaying shades of green or orange, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Starlet Anemone, Nematostella vectensis, exhibits a preference for intertidal zones, particularly in areas with muddy or sandy substrates. It is commonly found in estuaries, salt marshes, and other brackish water habitats. This anemone thrives in environments that experience regular tidal fluctuations, allowing it to adapt to varying levels of salinity and water flow. It’s often seen attached to submerged surfaces, such as rocks, vegetation, and even the shells of other invertebrates. The Starlet Anemone, Nematostella vectensis, can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, making it a resilient inhabitant of coastal ecosystems.

Taxonomy

The Starlet Anemone, Nematostella vectensis, belongs to the Class: Hexacorallia, Order: Actiniaria, and Family: Edwardsiidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of marine invertebrates characterized by their radial symmetry and possession of stinging tentacles. Within the Order: Actiniaria, Nematostella vectensis is part of a large group of sea anemones, known for their sedentary lifestyle and diverse array of colors and forms.

Feeding

The Starlet Anemone, Nematostella vectensis, is a predatory carnivore. It feeds on a variety of small invertebrates, including copepods, amphipods, ostracodes (seed shrimps), worms, snails, and echinoderm larvae. The anemone uses its stinging tentacles to paralyze and capture its prey. When a suitable prey item comes within range, the tentacles release nematocysts, which are harpoon-like structures containing toxins. These toxins stun or kill the prey, allowing the anemone to draw it towards its mouth for consumption. The Starlet Anemone, Nematostella vectensis, also relies on zooplankton as a significant part of its diet, highlighting its role as a crucial link in the marine food web.

Associated Species

Image References

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