Snakelocks Anemone / Smeđa vlasulja

Description:

The tentacles of anemones in deep or murky water can be a gray color but are otherwise usually a deep green color with purple tips. This is due to the presence of symbiotic algae within the tentacles that use sunlight as an energy source. Since the anemones benefit from this they prefer brightly lit shallow waters. The two shown together in the image to the right show a marked difference in coloration. On average the snakelock anemone is 8 cm wide. Unlike other cnidarians, anemones (and other Anthozoa) entirely lack the free-swimming medusa stage of the life cycle; the polyp produces eggs and sperm, and the fertilized egg develops into a planula that develops directly into another polyp.

Habitat:

It is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

Notes:

This species is becoming a popular aquarium pet, especially in Europe. It readily adapts to aquaria. This anemone is consumed in southwestern Spain, in the Gulf of Cádiz region - whole animal is marinated in vinegar, coated in a tempura-like batter, and deep-fried in olive oil.