Giant Carpet Anemone

Stichodactyla gigantea

The giant carpet anemone, known scientifically as Stichodactyla gigantea, is a sea anemone species found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Hawaii and parts of North America. Divers can identify this anemone by its substantial size, with diameters reaching up to 80 centimeters. Its tentacles are notably sticky, adhering firmly to surfaces, which is a sign of a healthy specimen. The anemone's coloration varies, commonly appearing in shades of brown or greenish hues, though rarer colors such as purple, pink, deep blue, or bright green can also be observed. This species typically resides in shallow seagrass beds or sand flats, often around 8 centimeters deep at low tide. While many anemones are sessile, those hosting anemonefish, like S. gigantea, are motile. The anemone maintains a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae and hosts several species of anemonefish, including the well-known clownfish. Juvenile Dascyllus trimaculatus also associate with this anemone. In terms of reproduction, members of its class can be either gonochoric or hermaphroditic, with mature gametes released into the coelenteron and spawned through the mouth. The zygote develops into a planktonic planula larva, eventually settling after metamorphosis. The conservation status of S. gigantea has not been evaluated by the IUCN.