Strawberry Anemone

This creature grows in colonies, somewhat like coral, but lacks a protective covering, or exoskeleton. It prefers shaded rocky areas but will also live on wharf pilings from San Diego to British Columbia.

Strawberry anemones grow to one inch in diameter and have potent, club-tipped tentacles. This animal is a favorite in biology labs because the nematocysts (tiny organs that contain a stinger) are easily seen under magnification. These animals are harmless despite the size of the nematocysts.

Reproduction is by fission; the strawberry anemone divides itself into two identical animals. Clones of the same animal have been found covering over a square meter of sea floor.

Strawberry anemone

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