Anémone Charnue

Overview

The Cribrinopsis crassa, commonly known as the "Anémone charnue" in French, is a sea anemone species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. It is frequently observed in the western Mediterranean and the Adriatic, typically living as a solitary polyp attached to hard substrates.

Appearance

This anemone is characterized by its stout, fleshy appearance and can reach a diameter of up to 15 cm. It possesses approximately 96 short, thick, and retractable tentacles that are often rounded at the tips, which are typically marked with a violet spot. The tentacles often feature a lighter-colored ring near their base. The column is generally pale yellow and decorated with 48 longitudinal rows of reddish-purple warts, each bordered by a more intense yellow. Its overall body color varies from fluorescent green to grayish-green, depending on the density of symbiotic zooxanthellae living within its tissues.

Distribution & habitat

Cribrinopsis crassa is endemic to the Mediterranean region, with its primary distribution in the western Mediterranean and the Adriatic. It is a sessile species that prefers calm, sheltered environments. It is commonly found attached to hard, rocky substrates, often tucking its base into crevices or fissures to remain secure.

Biology & behavior

This species is a nocturnal predator that uses its tentacles, which are equipped with stinging cells (cnidoblasts), to capture prey. It can reproduce both sexually, through external fertilization producing swimming larvae, and asexually via longitudinal fission. Interestingly, it sometimes hosts commensal shrimp, such as Periclimenes amethysteus, which live within or near the anemone.