Waratah Anemone

Actinia tenebrosa

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

Body and tentacles red with specialised structures (acrorhagi) around the edge of the column. They defend their own territory by attacking intruders with repeated strikes from their acrorhagi (outgrowths from the body margin). The acrorhagi have many stinging capsules (nematocysts), which are filled with toxin.

Size

Column can be up to 4 cm wide

Habitat

Rocky reef, high intertidal rocky shore in crevices, to depth of 1 m

Distribution

Southern Australian From NSW to WA including Tasmania

Gallery

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Local Sightings

2 recorded sightings in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

Mitchell, M. (2017) Actinia tenebrosa Waratah Anemone in Museums Victoria Collections (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Waratah Anemone
Scientific name: Actinia tenebrosa Farquhar, 1898
Family: Actiniidae
Category: Sea Life › Other
Origin: Native
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.