Sagartiidae

Sagartiidae is a family of sea anemones in the order Actiniaria. The family was first described in 1849 by British zoologist John Edward Gray. Sagartiids are characterized by having a simple body form and a single mouth opening. Their tentacles are arranged in rings around the mouth, and they have a well-developed mesentery, a structure that divides the internal cavity into chambers. Most species of Sagartiidae are brightly colored and can range in size from a few millimeters to over 20 cm in diameter.

Cylista ornata

Colonial Anemone – Cereus herpetodes

Actinothoe modesta

White Stinging Anemone – Anthothoe chilensis

Sandalled Anemone, Daisy Anemone – Actinothoe sphyrodeta

White Striped Anemone – Anthothoe albocincta

Anthothoe stimpsonii

Common Names

Sagartiids are commonly known as "tube anemones" due to their tubular body form.

Characteristics

Members of the Sagartiidae family share a number of characteristics:

  • Simple body form with a single mouth opening
  • Tentacles arranged in rings around the mouth
  • Well-developed mesentery
  • Brightly colored
  • Can range in size from a few millimeters to over 20 cm in diameter

Environment

Sagartiids are found in a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and sandy bottoms. They are often found in intertidal zones and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinities. They are also found in deeper waters.

References