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Cryptodendrum adhaesivum
Also known as Pizza Anemone (probably because of its appearance), this stinging hexacoral possesses a very broad pedal disc that maintains contact with the substrate. It's also called carpet anemone in some circles. The visible surface can have a mottled pattern; colors vary. This species feeds on plankton, and grows to about 30cm wide. Like other species, it plays host to anemonefish (eg., Amphiprion clarkii), commensal shrimp (eg., Periclimenes brevicarpalis) and commensal crab (eg., Neopetrolisthes ohshimai).
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Found in coastal areas, attached to rocks on slopes with moderate currents, at depths of 5 to 10m.
Spotted this curious-looking sea anemone in about 10m of water at the Angel's Cove dive site, off the northern coast of Talikud Island, Samal, Philippines.
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