Beaded Sea Anemone

Superpower

Its tentacles carry swollen 'beads', giving it a string-of-pearls look.

At a glance

Size

typically 15 cm, up to 30 cm

Depth

1–40 m

Habitat

Sandy patches near reefs; retreats into the sand.

Diet

Stings plankton and small prey; also fed by symbiotic algae.

Can I eat it?

No — this one is not eaten.

Safety

• Dangerous2/10

  Can sting bare skin, but not seriously.

• Venomous3/10

  Stinging tentacles; mild to people.

Fun facts

• •Swollen bands along its tentacles look like rows of beads.
• •It can pull down into the sand to hide.
• •It hosts several species of anemonefish.