Epizoanthidae
Epizoanthidae is a family of colonial anthozoans belonging to the order Actiniaria, commonly known as “encrusting anemones” or “zoanthid anemones.” These colonial invertebrates are found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea habitats. They are characterized by their ability to form extensive colonies of individual polyps, which are interconnected by a common base known as a coenosarc. Epizoanthids are notable for their diverse appearances, ranging from bright and colorful to cryptic and inconspicuous.
Common Names
Members of Epizoanthidae are often referred to as:
- Encrusting anemones
- Zoanthid anemones
- Colonial anemones
- Zoanthids
Characteristics
Epizoanthids share several key characteristics that distinguish them from other anthozoan families:
- Coloniality: They form colonies of interconnected polyps.
- Encrusting growth: They typically grow in a flat, encrusting manner, covering surfaces such as rocks, corals, or shells.
- Small polyps: Individual polyps are generally small, ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter in diameter.
- Eight tentacles: Each polyp has eight tentacles arranged in a circle around the mouth.
- Mesenteries: The internal body cavity of each polyp is divided by longitudinal partitions called mesenteries, which contain muscles and reproductive organs.
- Cnidocysts: Like all anemones, epizoanthids possess cnidocysts (stinging cells) on their tentacles for defense and prey capture.
- Diverse color patterns: Epizoanthids can display a wide variety of colors and patterns, often depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Environments
Epizoanthids are found in diverse marine environments worldwide, including:
- Tropical and subtropical reefs: They are common inhabitants of coral reefs, where they often grow on corals, rocks, and other hard substrates.
- Intertidal zones: Some species are found in intertidal zones, tolerating periods of exposure to air and fluctuating salinity.
- Deep-sea habitats: Certain epizoanthid species have been discovered in deep-sea environments, suggesting their adaptability to various conditions.
References
For further information on Epizoanthidae, consult the following references: