Photo: Stan Shebs · Image source ·CC BY-SA 3.0
Animal profile · Other aquatic life · Sea anemone
Giant green anemone
Anthopleura xanthogrammica
The giant green anemone is a large intertidal sea anemone with a vivid green body and a crown of tentacles. It lives on rocky Pacific shores, where it waits for small animals to brush against its stinging tentacles.
Not a fish · an aquatic neighborWater
Saltwater
Rocky intertidal shores, tide pools, protected bays, sea walls, and pilings.
Temperature
Range not established
No dependable species-specific wild temperature range was located.
Size
Fully expanded diameter 25–30 cm (10–12 in)
About as wide as a large dinner plate.
Lifespan
Not established in the wild
Life expectancy varies with place, conditions, and what scientists have been able to observe.
01 · Signature adaptation
What does it do?
It attaches firmly to rocks and contracts when exposed during low tide. Its tentacles capture prey, while its stinging cells also discourage many predators.
02 · Home coordinates
Where does it live?
Pacific coast of North America from Alaska to Baja California.
Regions: Alaska to Baja California · Northeast Pacific coast
03 · The menu
What does it eat?
Stinging tentacles paralyze prey, which the anemone swallows whole and later expels as indigestible remains.
Carnivore: small fish, crabs, shrimp, snails.
04 · Remember this
Two wow facts
Green from algae
Microscopic green algae living in its tissues help create its bright green color.
Sources [1]
Whole-prey eater
It swallows fish, crabs, shrimp, and snails whole, then spits out indigestible pieces.
Sources [1]