Golden Anemone

Overview

The Golden Anemone (Condylactis aurantiaca) is a sea anemone endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. It is a benthic species that typically remains largely buried in soft substrates, leaving only its oral disc and tentacles visible to observers.

Distribution & habitat

This species is found exclusively in the Mediterranean Sea. It inhabits sandy, gravelly, or detrital seabeds, where it anchors its base to hard objects like stones or shells while keeping its column submerged in the sediment.

Appearance

The Golden Anemone features a translucent white column marked with white spots. Its oral disc can reach approximately 12 cm in diameter, supporting up to 96 tentacles arranged in five whorls. These tentacles, which are typically 8 cm long, range in color from yellow to green or grayish and often display characteristic white longitudinal bands and purple tips. The central mouth is also typically purplish.

Biology & behavior

This anemone is a carnivore that captures prey, including invertebrates and small fish, using stinging cells called cnidocytes located on its tentacles. Its coloration can vary based on depth and the presence of symbiotic algae. The species may engage in a commensal relationship with certain shrimp, such as Periclimenes aegylios, which live among its tentacles. Reproduction occurs during spring and summer, with the species capable of both oviparous and viviparous development.