Kingdom Animalia Subclass Zoantharia Suborder Nyantheae Scientific name Anthopleura sola Rank Species | Phylum Cnidaria Order Actiniaria Infraorder Thenaria Higher classification Anthopleura | |
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Similar Anthopleura, Sea anemone, Aggregating anemone, Giant Green Anemone, Cnidaria | ||
Green starburst anemone in a tide pool bodega bay california
Anthopleura sola, commonly known as the starburst anemone or giant green anemone, is a species of sea anemone of the family Actiniidae. A. sola was previously considered the solitary form of the common aggregating anemone Anthopleura elegantissima, but was identified as a separate species in 2000.
Contents
- Green starburst anemone in a tide pool bodega bay california
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Territorial defense
- References
Description
A. sola is a solitary anemone that averages 12 cm but can grow up to 25 cm wide, much larger than A. elegantissima. The column is pale green to white in color and is twice as long as its width when extended. The column has numerous sticky protuberances (verrucae) arranged in vertical rows to which gravel and shell fragments adhere. The oral disc is radially striped and has five rings of thick, pointed feeding tentacles. Tentacles are pale with the tips colored in pink, blue or lavender.
A. sola can be differentiated from A. elagantissima by its larger size and usual solitary form. It is differentiated from Anthopleura xanthogrammica by the coloration of the tentacle tips, striped oral disk, and vertical rows of verrucae.
The color of the anemone is partly caused by symbiotic Zooxanthellae in the gastrodermal layer. This species of anemone reproduces sexually.
Distribution and habitat
The starburst anemone is found in the north west Pacific Ocean. In the United States it occurs between central California and Baja California. It lives in the lower intertidal zone in rocky habitats, often in the shelter of cracks and crevices. When the tide is out it is often concealed by shell fragments and other particles that adhere to it.
Territorial defense
Anthopleura sola aggressively defends its territory from other anemones which are genetically dissimilar. When A. sola encounters a different genetic colony, the anemones extend specialized tentacles (called acrorhagi). The white tips of acrorhagi have a concentration of stinging cells (nematocytes) and are used solely to deter other colonies from encroaching on their space. The nematocysts sting the ectoderm of the invader, causing tissue necrosis and forcing the competitor to move away. The similar aggregating anemone (Anthopleura elegantissima) also possesses acrorhagi.