Actinodendridae
The Actinodendridae are a family of sea anemones belonging to the order Actiniaria. They are commonly known as “spiny anemones” due to their distinctive, often prominent, acrorhagi or “marginal tentacles” found around the edge of their oral disc. These structures are stinging, providing a defense mechanism and contributing to the family’s common name. Actinodendrids are generally found in shallow to moderate depths along rocky shores and coral reefs, with a distribution that spans tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Characteristics
Actinodendrid sea anemones exhibit a number of defining features that distinguish them from other anemone families:
- Acrorhagi: These are specialized, stinging tentacles located around the edge of the oral disc. They are often large and prominent, giving the anemones their "spiny" appearance.
- Column: The column, or body, of Actinodendridae is usually smooth or slightly verrucose (covered in small bumps).
- Oral Disc: The oral disc, which houses the mouth and tentacles, is typically smooth or slightly wrinkled.
- Tentacles: The tentacles are generally short and numerous, arranged in a single or multiple cycles around the oral disc.
Environments
Actinodendrid sea anemones are predominantly found in shallow to moderate depths, often along rocky shores and coral reefs. They are typically found in areas with strong water currents, where their acrorhagi help defend them from predators. Their distribution is largely confined to tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
References
For more in-depth information on the Actinodendridae, please refer to the following resources: