Species · GBIF taxon 5183974
Plumose Anemone
Metridium senileAlso known as Fluffy Anemone, Frilled Anemone, White-Plumed Anemone
Plumose anemones are striking marine invertebrates recognizable by their highly divided, fluffy-looking tentacles that form a crown atop a smooth, column-like body. They thrive in fast-moving currents, using their specialized tentacles to filter tiny zooplankton from the water column. These adaptable creatures can reproduce asexually by leaving behind fragments of their base, which quickly grow into identical clones.
MarineInvertebrateFilter-Feeder
- diet
- Zooplankton, small crustaceans, and organic detritus
- family
- Metridiidae
- threats
- Coastal development, water pollution, and warming ocean temperatures
- life Span
- Up to 100 years
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Observe from docks: Look down along floating docks and pilings at low tide to spot them hanging upside down.
- Avoid touching: Their delicate tentacles can easily be damaged by physical contact.
- Watch for clones: Look for dense clusters of identical color phases, which indicate a clonal colony.