Leathery Sea Anemone

Superpower

Pulls its long tentacles into its leathery column at the first sign of danger.

At a glance

Size

typically 20 cm, up to 50 cm

Depth

1–40 m

Habitat

Reef flats and sandy lagoons.

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

• •Its long, pointed tentacles can have purple tips.
• •It hosts more clownfish species than almost any other anemone.
• •The tough column gives it the 'leathery' name.