Jewel Anemone

Overview

The Jewel Anemone (Corynactis viridis) is a small, brightly colored marine animal that is more closely related to corals than to true sea anemones. Despite its common name, it belongs to the order Corallimorpharia, characterized by its unique body structure and vibrant, jewel-like appearance.

Distribution & habitat

This species is found throughout the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Scotland down to the Canary Islands, and is also present in the Mediterranean Sea. It thrives on hard substrates, often colonizing shaded vertical rock faces, overhangs, and submerged shipwrecks where it can benefit from strong water movement.

Appearance

Typically reaching a diameter of about 10–15 mm, these animals feature a smooth, cylindrical column and an oral disc surrounded by approximately 100 tentacles. Each tentacle ends in a distinct, rounded knob known as an acrosphere, which often contrasts in color with the rest of the body. They display a wide range of brilliant colors, including green, pink, red, orange, purple, and white.

Biology & behavior

Jewel anemones are frequently found in dense, colorful aggregations. These groups are often composed of clones, as the species reproduces asexually through longitudinal fission, where an individual splits into two. This process allows them to form expansive, uniform patches on rocky surfaces.

Feeding

As a predator, it captures zooplankton and small prey using its stinging tentacles. When prey makes contact with the sticky, cnidocyte-rich acrospheres, the tentacles retract to transport the food toward the central mouth for ingestion.