Starburst Anemone

Description:

A couple phases of sola that I saw in the harbor. Relatively large anemone, differentiated from xanthogramica by the "spokes" or lines radiating from the mouth, as well as the open mouth. Bright green variety seems to be a color morph that is uncommon, but not incredibly rare (saw 3 individuals while I was in the Monterey Harbor). They cover the outside of their bodies with particles of sand and shells and occasionally plastic from around them to blend in while they are closed. They, like many other other Cnidarians have a photosynthetic algae that lives in their cells, called zooxanthelae that give them their color and also provide nutrients to the animal.

Habitat:

Mid to Lower Rocky intertidal areas.

Notes:

Was excited to get a photo of the green color morph!