General Description

This species is often mistaken for an undescribed species of Oulactis from Port Phillip and other central areas of Victorian coastline. Frill around the top edge of the column, underneath the tentacles. Specialised stinging structures (acrorhagi) around the edge of the column, specialised adhesive structures (verrucae) on the upper column. Tentacles have distinctive white bar patterning on transparent gray tentacle. Oral disc a deep brown or red, a bright green ring is commonly found around the mouth, however this may be absent in some cases. Column up to 6 cm wide.

Biology

These anemones have microscopic algae (zooxanthellae) in the tentacles and upper column that turn sunlight into energy for the anemone (photosynthesis). The zooxanthellae may give the animal a grey appearance.

Habitat

Rocky reef at low tide level and sand areas, commonly found living in between the cracks of rocks from the mid to low intertidal zone, to depth of 5 m.

Reefs

Soft substrates

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

New Zealand and south-eastern Australia. In eastern Victoria.

Species Group

Anemones

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

6 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

• Anemones

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed