Zebra Gorgonian Wrapper

Nemanthus nitidus

The Zebra Gorgonian Wrapper is a small sea anemone species found in the western Pacific, particularly around Korea, Japan, New Caledonia, and the Philippines. It inhabits depths ranging from 30 to 70 meters. This species is relatively small, reaching lengths of 2 to 3 centimeters. The Zebra Gorgonian Wrapper is sessile, meaning it remains fixed in one place rather than moving around. It is part of the Anthozoa class, which includes species that can be either gonochoric or hermaphroditic. The species reproduces by releasing mature gametes into the coelenteron, which are then expelled through the mouth. The life cycle includes a planktonic planula larva stage, which eventually settles after developing tentacles, septa, and a pharynx. Divers encountering this species may find it attached to gorgonians or other substrates within its depth range.