Species · GBIF taxon 2256644
Snakelocks Anemone
Anemonia viridisAlso known as Opelet Anemone
Snakelocks anemones wave long, snake-like tentacles that cannot fully retract into their bodies, exposing them constantly to the sun. These tentacles host symbiotic algae that provide energy through photosynthesis, giving the anemone its characteristic bright green hue with violet tips. They cling tightly to rocks in shallow, sunlit waters, capturing passing prey with powerful stinging cells.
MarineVenomousSymbiotic
Licensed referenceDiego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Shrimp
- Planktonic larvae
Predators
- Grey sea slugs
- Sea spiders
- Certain species of wrasse
ThreatsWater pollution, coastal development, and rising sea temperatures
HabitatsShallow rocky shores, tide pools, and kelp forests
Life spanUp to several decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyActiniidae
- SpeciesAnemonia viridis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Tentacles possess stinging cells that can cause painful skin irritation; avoid touching directly.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses powerful stinging cells called nematocysts that inject toxins, causing localized burning, redness, and mild blistering on human skin.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by long, wavy, bright green tentacles with distinctive purple or pink tips that do not retract into the body.
- What to do
- Do not touch or step on them in tide pools; wear protective footwear when wading in shallow rocky areas.
Responsible observation
- Look for the Glow: Observe them in shallow tide pools where sunlight highlights their bright green bodies and purple-tipped tentacles.
- Avoid Contact: Keep a safe distance to prevent painful stings from their non-retractable tentacles.
Image unavailableSymbiont 
Close Relative Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-saClose Relative
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