Actinothoe

Actinothoe is a genus of sea anemones in the family Actiniidae. These anemones are generally characterized by their slender, cylindrical bodies with a distinct oral disc and tentacles. They are commonly found in a variety of marine environments, including rocky shores, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.

Actinothoe modesta

Sandalled Anemone, Daisy Anemone – Actinothoe sphyrodeta

Common Names

Actinothoe species are known by several common names, including:

  • Tube anemones
  • Snakelock anemones
  • Thread anemones
These names refer to their tubular body shape and the numerous, thread-like tentacles that surround their mouths.

Characteristics

Members of the genus Actinothoe exhibit a range of distinctive characteristics:

  • Slender, cylindrical body: Their bodies are generally elongated and tubular, tapering towards the base.
  • Distinct oral disc: A well-defined disc surrounds the mouth, bearing numerous tentacles.
  • Thread-like tentacles: Their tentacles are long, thin, and often arranged in multiple rows.
  • Variety of colors: Actinothoe species can display a wide range of colors, including brown, green, orange, and red.

Environments

These anemones are typically found in:

  • Intertidal zones: They can tolerate exposure to air during low tide, attaching themselves to rocks or other hard substrates.
  • Subtidal zones: Actinothoe species can also thrive in deeper water, where they may be found on rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, and even coral reefs.
Their ability to adapt to different environments makes them common sights in various coastal habitats.

References

For more detailed information on Actinothoe, refer to these reliable sources: