Magnificent Sea Anemoneハタゴイソギンチャク

Species Data

Classification

Actiniaria / Stichodactylidae Source

Size

One of the larger sea anemones, with some individuals exceeding 50 cm in diameter when the tentacles are extended; the tentacles are long and nearly uniform in thickness from base to tip

Diet

Carnivore Captures small crustaceans, fish larvae, and similar prey with the stinging cells in its tentacles, and also obtains nutrition from the photosynthetic products of zooxanthellae living in its body

Distribution

Found throughout the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, from the East African coast and Red Sea to Polynesia, and from southern Japan to Australia and New Caledonia, typically on open reef edges and slopes. Source

Sources

en.wikipedia.org churaumi.okinawa

Did You Know?

• It is a highly generalist host anemone, capable of hosting as many as 12 different anemonefish species worldwide, more than almost any other sea anemone. Source
• Its column color varies dramatically between individuals, ranging from electric blue and green to red, pink, purple, or brown. Source
• Besides sexual reproduction, it can also reproduce asexually by splitting its body into two separate individuals. Source

FAQ

How big can this sea anemone grow?

Its oral disc can exceed 50 cm in diameter, with long tentacles of fairly uniform thickness from base to tip. Source

How many species of clownfish can live in it?

It is an unusually generalist host, capable of sheltering up to about 12 different anemonefish species across its range. Source

How does it get its nutrition?

It captures small crustaceans and fish with its stinging tentacles, and also draws energy from photosynthetic algae, called zooxanthellae, living in its tissue. Source

How many operating facilities are registered here?

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1 Source

Books & gear

• Magnificent Sea Anemone book
• binoculars