Corallimorpharians

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

1-5 Corynactis Viritis, 6. Bologera Eques, 7. Zoanthus Sulcatus, 8. Z. Alderi, 9-10. Zoanthus Coucnii, 11. Aureliania Augusta, 12. A. Meteocera, 13. Capnea Sanguinea.

Depth 8 m. Large clones of these anemones decorate vertical rocks in vivid colors. Has clubbed tentacles, a feature of true corals, but it lacks the corals' calcium carbonate skeleton. Its stinging cells, nematocysts, are unusually potent. Each anemone 2 cm. wide.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

Porifera

Balanidae

Large cluster of open and closed anemones

Large cluster of anemones

This largest corallimorph, shown with its wide open mouth, entraps and kills fish. The oral disc bends inward and closes in a matter of seconds.

Here Corynactis is completing the slow act of pulling itself apart to form two clone mates. Corynactis also can reproduce sexually creating variation in color and other traits. The topsnail, Calliostoma, is one the anemone's few predators. Depth 15 m.

Under attack by the leather star, Corynactis defends itself by extruding its mesenterial filaments loaded with stinging cells, nematocysts, from its body cavity. Depth 27 m.