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The Beadlet anemone (Actinia equina) is a common sea anemone found on rocky shores around all coasts. Its range extends to the Western Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, and along the Atlantic coast of Africa as far south as South Africa. Actinia equina can be found both in exposed and sheltered situations. It is highly adapted to the intertidal zone as it can tolerate both high temperatures and desiccation. The anemone may also be found in regions of variable salinity such as estuaries. Underwater, it displays up to 192 tentecles, arranged in six circles. actinia equina e stramonita haemastoma
Actinia equina – Pomodoro di mare – Beadlet anemone – Stramonita haemastoma – intotheblue.it
Out of water, the tentacles retract and the anemone resembles a blob of red, brown, green or orange jelly, up to about 5 centimetres (2.0 in) across. It has bright blue beads (known as acrorhagi) located just beneath the tentacles, organised as an external ring containing stinging cells located at the top of the column that it uses to fight over territory. The acrorhagi contains the cnidocysts which themselves contain the nematocysts. There is some evidence that the various colour forms may in fact be different species.
Actinia equina – Pomodoro di mare – Beadlet anemone – intotheblue.it
Actinia equina is similar in form to the Waratah anemone (Actinia tenebrosa) of Australia and New Zealand. It is also similar in form to the strawberry anemone (Actinia fragacea) but is a uniform colour and is typically rather smaller. Beadlet anemone is viviparous, with up to one hundred embryos developing inside the body cavity before being ejected into the open water as juveniles. Sturdy and extremely adaptable species, it lends itself to be easily bred in an aquarium where, when it opens, it shows off because it looks like a very delicate flower with a beautiful red color. In order to take it to the aquarium, it is necessary to detach it from the rock by gently prying the base of the animal and put it in a container with sea water to be able to easily transport it. actinia equina e stramonita haemastoma
(extract from Wikipedia)
