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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Tube-dwelling anemone

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Emerging from the sand like a giant flower, the Tube-dwelling anemone immediately catches the eye. Its colourful tentacles sway in the current to capture plankton. As a diver approaches, it retreats with astonishing speed into its tube hidden beneath the seabed.

Habitat de Tube-dwelling anemone Habitat
Sand, Detrital bottom
Profondeur de Tube-dwelling anemone Depth
1-40 m
Groupe biologique de Tube-dwelling anemone Group
Cnidarian
Rôle écologique de Tube-dwelling anemone Role
Predator, Ecosystem engineer

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This animal resembles a large anemone established in the sediment, but lives inside a tube it makes itself. The tube, buried in sand or mud, projects slightly above the surface. The visible part bears a crown of long, thin, highly mobile, often colourful tentacles, ranging from beige to green, purple or brown depending on the individual. In danger, the animal quickly retracts into its tube.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It is found buried in soft seabeds such as sand or mud, often in coastal areas. It can be observed in seagrass meadows, detrital areas or at the foot of rocks, where the substrate allows it to build its tube.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It catches food particles and small planktonic organisms with its stinging tentacles. These immobilise prey before directing them towards the mouth.

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Other species — Cnidarian

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Same habitat and depth

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Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species Ecosystem engineer species

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