- Check the sub-map for the specimen information files -
ANEMONES
Anemones are found in both tropical and cold water. Some species prefer to settle on coral or rocky reefs, while others prefer to settle in a sand or silt bottom. Anemones come in many different colors but all are ‘roundish’ in shape and have tentacles in varying lengths and arrangements around their mouths. They have a single body cavity that both digests food and circulates nutrients. They also have a single orifice (opening) through which food goes in, and waste material comes out. The anemones stinging cells (cnidocytes) are specialised for feeding and defense. Within each stinging cell is a capsule called a nematocyst. When the cells are activated, pressure inside the capsule causes the nematocyst to discharge a barbed harpoon on their target. The nematocyst can only fire once and it may take hundreds of them to have any effect on their prey. Once the prey is captured, the tentacles will bring the food towards the mouth. Some anemone species are able to close themselves or retract when not hungry or to protect themselves.
- Check the sub-map for the specimen information files -
