Golden Anemone

Condylactis aurantiaca

The Golden Anemone is a sea anemone species found exclusively in the Mediterranean Sea. It is typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 80 meters, often inhabiting sandy or gravelly substrates where it remains largely buried. Divers will usually only see its oral disc and tentacles, as the rest of the anemone is submerged in the sediment. The tentacles, which can spread out to a diameter of about 30 centimeters, are green to yellow with purple tips and are arranged in five whorls. The oral disc itself can reach up to 12 centimeters in diameter and is often adorned with a variety of colors, including gray, yellow, and green. This anemone is a sessile predator, capturing small invertebrates with its stinging tentacles. It reproduces by releasing gametes into the water during spring and summer, where fertilization occurs, leading to the development of planula larvae. These larvae eventually settle and metamorphose into new anemones. The Golden Anemone can be encountered at various dive sites across the Mediterranean, where it may also host the shrimp species Periclimenes aegylios in a symbiotic relationship. The conservation status of the Golden Anemone is listed as Least Concern. Divers exploring Mediterranean sandy bottoms might come across this solitary anemone, adding a unique sight to their underwater experience.