Fish-Eating Anemone
Scientific Name Urticina piscivora
Native To Pacific coast (from Alaska to California)
Habitat Tidal pools and offshore
Diet Small fish and invertebrates
Size and Age Up to 26 cm (10 in) in diameter; lifespan estimated to be several decades long
Natural History
While more delicate species of anemones rake in bits of food, the fish-eating anemone has sturdy tentacles that can capture shrimp and small fish. Prey are captured by stinging cells called “nematocysts” located along each tentacle. Each cigar-shaped nematocyst contains a barbed thread that carries venom.
Near Threatened
Conservation Status
Fish-eating anemones live on rocky reefs that are vulnerable to commercial fishing trawls.
Interesting Facts
- Painted greenling fish have been known to live in the fish-eating anemone’s tentacles; the same way clown fish live in tropical anemones.
- Anemones have the ability to move around. They can either glide along on their pedal disc foot, or they can completely detach and float away with the tide.
- When food is plentiful fish-eating anemones will increase in size. When food is scarce they will decrease in size.
