Swimming Anemone
Beach Ball, Brain Anemone
Click to enlarge image
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Phlyctenactis
- Species
- tuberculosa
- Family
- Actiniidae
- Suborder
- Endocoelantheae
- Order
- Actiniaria
- Subclass
- Hexacorallia
- Class
- Anthozoa
- Phylum
- Cnidaria
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 15 cm
Introduction
The Swimming Anemone is the largest anemone commonly seen in Sydney's rock pools.
Identification
The colour of the tentacles and central column of the Swimming Anemone can be red, yellow, orange or blue, and they are often striped.
Habitat
Swimming Anemones are found on intertidal rocky shores.
Distribution
Swimming Anemones are found throughout the waters of southern Australia, from Western Australia to New South Wales and in New Zealand.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Swimming Anemone is sometimes found attached to algae or rocks but is able to move around freely. It can crawl along the bottom or drift with the current. During the day the tentacles are usually collapsed but at night the anemone moves to the tips of plants to feed. Compared with other anemones, the Swimming Anemone is quite an agile predator.
