Anthopleura xanthogrammica
ORDER
Actiniaria
FAMILY
Actiniidae
TAXONOMY
Actinia xanthogrammica Brandt, 1835, Sitka, Alaska, United States.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
Portuguese: Anémona-verde-gigante.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Large, flat oral disk up to 9.8 in (25 cm) diameter; column densely covered with hollow adhesive wartlike protuberances known as verrucae; tentacles and disk are emerald green, column is olive or brownish.
DISTRIBUTION
Western coast of North America from Alaska south to Baja California.
HABITAT
Low intertidal to shallow subtidal zones on exposed coastlines where it is subject to strong wave action; it often forms carpets of individuals in surge channels.
BEHAVIOR
Nothing is known.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Feeds on sea urchins, crabs, and mussels dislodged by floating debris. One study found that A. xanthogrammica benefits when urchins fleeing from predatory seastars fall into the anemone's tentacles. Mussels that are detached by wave action also are eaten. Also derives nutrition from symbiotic association with zooxanthellae and zoochlorellae.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Gonochoristic; reaches sexual maturity in 5–10 years; planktotrophic larvae feed on algae. No asexual reproduction known.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not listed by IUCN.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Produces toxins known as anthopleurins that stimulate heart muscle and that were considered for medical use.
