Diet

• Anthopleura species are carnivorous, opportunistic predators that capture small marine animals with their tentacles and stinging cells (nematocysts).

• Prey includes small crustaceans, molluscs, worms, fish and other marine invertebrates; the exact diet varies among species.

• Many species also obtain nutrients from symbiotic photosynthetic algae living within their tissues.

Range

• Anthopleura is a broadly distributed genus occurring in tropical and temperate marine environments in several parts of the world.

• Several species occur along the Pacific coast of Mexico, including the waters of the Zihua region.

Habitat

• Most Anthopleura species inhabit rocky shores, tide pools, crevices and other hard substrates in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones.

• Some species are characteristic of middle or lower intertidal rocky shores, while others extend into the shallow subtidal zone.

• They attach to rocks and other firm surfaces using a muscular pedal disc and can retract their tentacles and oral disc when exposed during low tide.

• Some species form dense aggregations or clonal colonies, while others are solitary.

Description

• Anthopleura species are generally medium-sized sea anemones with a cylindrical or columnar body, a broad oral disc and a central mouth surrounded by numerous tentacles.

• The column commonly bears rows or clusters of raised structures called verrucae, which can collect sand, shell fragments and other debris.

• The tentacles contain nematocysts that immobilize prey and provide defence against potential predators.

• Colouration varies considerably among species and may include green, brown, grey, white, pink or combinations of these colours.

• Several species contain photosynthetic symbiotic algae, which can contribute substantially to their energy requirements and may influence their colouration.