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Back to: contents - algae/seaweed - anemones - corals - crustaceans - echinoderms - fishes -
From the upper intertidal zone to the ocean's floor, one may find anemones. They belong to the same phylum, Cnidaria, as jellyfish, corals and hydroids.
Nematocysts, or stingings cells, are one of the main characteristics of this phylum. Anemones reproduce sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction is achieved
when they simultaneously creep in opposite directions and pull themselves apart . Quickly regenerating its missing portions, the two new individuals replace
the original. Eventually a colony is created. All members of a colony, therefore, are clones, genetically identical individuals. Colonies compete for space
with one another with subtle warfare erupting between them. Using special stinger cells, anemones can inflict serious damage to anemones of opposing clones.
They are predaceous carnivores with tentacles surrounding a mouth, which leads to a baglike digestive tract.
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Back to: contents - algae/seaweed - anemones - corals - crustaceans - echinoderms - fishes -
jellies - marine mammals - molluscs - nudibranchs - other invertebrates - seastars - sponges - homepage