Warty Sea Anemone

Bunodosoma cavernatum

The Warty Sea Anemone, or Bunodosoma cavernatum, inhabits the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is characterized by a sturdy body with rows of small, wart-like protrusions. Its tentacles, numbering around 96, are arranged in cycles and vary in color, including shades of olive green, orange, and red. The oral disc can be yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, or olive green, sometimes exhibiting faint radial patterns. When fully extended, the anemone can reach a height of 15 mm, and its tentacles and oral disc can span up to 40 mm in diameter. This species is typically found in the lower intertidal zones, residing on rocks, jetties, and other hard surfaces beneath gravelly or sandy areas. It is most commonly observed at depths less than 10 meters, though it can be found as deep as 40 meters. The Warty Sea Anemone is nocturnal, extending its tentacles at night to capture small fish and invertebrates, while during the day, it retracts into a compact form. Reproduction involves the release of gametes into the body cavity, which are then expelled through the mouth. The fertilized eggs develop into free-swimming larvae, eventually settling and transforming into their adult form. Currently, there is no evaluation of this species' conservation status.