Sea anemone

Description:

Two Anthopleura species are common to local tidepools, the aggregating anemone (A. elegantissima) and the solitary anemone (A. sola). The two species are very similar; the aggregating anemone (A. elegantissima) will be found with other anemones within tentacle reach of one another and range from 6 – 10 cm. A. sola can reach up to 25 cm in diameter and will always be solo, often submerged in tidepools. Anemones have evolved numerous adaptations to survive life in the intertidal. These organisms provide an excellent model for children exploring adaptations for dealing with desiccation, consumption, predation, wave exposure.

Habitat:

Rocky tidal zone at La Jolla.