Mud Sagartia

Cylista troglodytes

Cylista troglodytes, commonly known as the mud sagartia, is a species of sea anemone found in the family Sagartiidae. It is characterized by its smooth, firm column that extends to a length several times its width, adorned with sticky suckers on its upper part. The oral disc is typically flat and patterned, surrounded by multiple rings of short tentacles. These tentacles are translucent, banded in white and grey, with a distinctive black mark at their base resembling a Roman capital letter 'B'. The column can grow up to a diameter of 2.5 cm and a length of 5 cm, but most individuals are smaller. This species inhabits coastal regions of the northeast Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. It is commonly found around the coasts of Britain, often hidden in cracks, under overhangs, or among mussels. It prefers habitats such as rock pools or sandy and muddy bottoms where it can anchor itself. It is frequently camouflaged, making it less observed despite its common presence in these areas. Cylista troglodytes is typically found at depths shallower than 40 meters, though it can be found as deep as 80 meters. The mud sagartia is a carnivorous species, feeding on small invertebrates captured with its tentacles. Reproduction occurs both sexually and asexually, with eggs and sperm released into the water column, and asexual reproduction through the liberation of ciliated germs. Divers encountering this species may find it retracted into a spherical form when disturbed, making it less visible.