Haeckel's Anemone

Actinostephanus haeckeli

Haeckel's anemone is typically located in sandy bottoms, lagoons, and bays, where it can completely retreat into the sand, especially in low-tide areas. The anemone is sessile, meaning it remains attached to a surface throughout its life. It features a short, smooth body column with regular stripes that become paler toward the base. The anemone measures between 10 to 12 cm in diameter and is characterized by its 12 long, cylindrical tentacles that are uniformly dark brown and taper at the tips. Haeckel's anemone is usually found at depths shallower than 40 meters, as indicated by occurrence records. Gametes are released into the coelenteron and spawned through the mouth, with the zygote developing into a planktonic planula larva. The larva undergoes metamorphosis, forming tentacles, septa, and a pharynx before settling. Divers encountering Haeckel's anemone may find it nestled in sandy environments, where its ability to retract into the sand can make it somewhat elusive. There is no current evaluation of its conservation status.