Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Actiniaria

Suborder: Nynantheae

Family: Metridiidae

Scientific name: Metridium senile

 

Norwegian: sjønellik

Distribution: The plumose anemone is found along the entire Norwegian coast, from the tidal zone and down to depths of 100 meters. It prefers current exposed sites, on big rocks, piers, walls or even ropes and anchor chains. It does not mind brackish-water.

Characteristics: The tentacles are relatively short. The colors may vary from orange to almost white. It can grow to a height of 50 cm.

Biology: The plumose anemone reproduce both sexually and asexually. When an anemone larvae has settled on a new location, it may start to reproduce on its own if the conditions are good. Soon there will be an entire colony of genetically identical plumose anemones.

All pictures:

(The wreck of Pollux - Sør-Trøndelag / 26 meters / 5.20.2002)