Phylum: Cnidaria

Class: Anthozoa

Subclass: Hexacorallia

Order: Actiniaria

Suborder: Protantheae

Family: Gonactiniidae

Scientific name: Gonactinia prolifera

 

Norwegian: -

(Hellesøy - Hordaland / 9 meters / 7.07.2005)

Distribution: The distribution is uncertain, but it is common along the West coast of Norway, at least as far north as Trøndelag. It can be found on hard surfaces as well as on algae from the subtidal zone and down to at least 100 meters. It can move by performing loops on the substrate.

Characteristics: This tiny anemone may reach a length of 5 mm, including its approximately 16 non-retractile tentacles. The translucent body is usually white or pale pink. It can reproduce asexually by transverse division. There have been observations of chains of three anemones, not entirely separated. It can only be confused with juvenile individuals of Protanthea simplex.

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