|
Introduced
Species
|
|
The following four anemones are collected regularly by staff at the Centre.
Following is a brief description of each.
- Actinia tenebrosa - Waratah Anemone
- (Gould League, 1998)
|
- Habitat: Rocky shores, mid intertidal zone
to 5 m depth
- Distribution: WA to Qld and around Tasmania,
also New Zealand
- Maximum Size: Diameter to 40 mm
- Diet: Drifting food particles, small
invertebrates
- Comments:
- Generally seen at low tide in its
contracted shape, appearing as a dark red blob. At high tide, it
spreads its tentacles to feed. Young waratah anemones emerge as
fully formed replicas through the mouth of the adult.
|
|
- Oulactis muscosa - Sand
Anemone
- (Edgar, 1997)
|
- Habitat: Rockpools, low intertidal
- Distribution: SA to Qld and around Tasmania,
also New Zealand
- Maximum Size: Diameter to 80 mm
- Diet: Small mussels
- Comments:
- This anemone is often found buried in the sand in
shallow water.
|
|
- Phlyctenanthus australis -
Red Anemone
- Picture: MDC
|
- Habitat: Exposed reef, 1 - 35 m depth
- Distribution: SA to NSW and around Tasmania
- Maximum Size: Diameter to 100 mm
- Diet: Drifting food particles, small
invertebrates, small fish
- Comments:
- Remains permanently attached to
reef. Bulbous, blue-grey column. Up to 100 reddish-brown tentacles.
|
- Phlyctenactis tuberculosa - Swimming
Anemone
- (Edgar, 1997)
|
- Habitat: Moderately exposed and Sheltered
reefs, Macroalgae, 0-35 m depth
- Distribution: WA to NSW and around Tasmania
- Maximum Size: Diameter to 150 mm
- Diet: Drifting food particles, small
invertebrates and small fish
- Comments:
- Largest anemone seen in southern
Australian waters. Moves rapidly either by crawling or drifting with
the current. During the day it looks like a bag of baked beans but
at night moves onto plant fronds to catch drifting food.
|
|
