Atlantic Beadlet Anemone
Actinia equina
Snakelocks anemone
Anemonia viridis
About
The snakelocks anemone waves a mass of long, thin, vivid green tentacles that give it its name, like a head of snakes. Look closely among them and you may spot a tiny goby or crab hiding safely from predators.
How to tell it apart
Several anemones can look plain green underwater. The purple tips on the ends of this one's tentacles are the detail that confirms it is a snakelocks anemone.
Appearance
This anemone has long, wavy tentacles, usually deep green with purple tips. The green colour comes from a natural fluorescent protein in its tissue, not from its algae partners. Like many anemones, it hosts tiny symbiotic algae, called zooxanthellae, living inside its tissue, which it needs to survive long term; if the algae numbers drop, the anemone can look dull grey instead of green.
Habitat
It lives in shallow, sunlit rock pools and shallow subtidal ground, staying in the brightest spots it can find since its algae partners need light to thrive.
Did you know?
At least three small animals shelter unharmed among its stinging tentacles: the incognito goby, a shrimp called Periclimenes aegylios, and Leach's spider crab.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
