Marine Wildlife Encyclopedia
Giant Anemone Condylactis gigantea
The long, purple-tipped tentacles of the giant anemone bring a splash of color to Caribbean reefs. Its columnar body is usually tucked away between rocks or corals, leaving only the giant anemone's stinging tentacles exposed. Several small reef fish (mainly blennies) can live unharmed among the tentacles of the giant anemone, where they gain protection from predators. The giant anemone can move slowly along on its basal disk if it wants to find a better position on the reef.
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- Class Anthozoa
- Diameter Up to 12 in (30 cm)
- Depth 10–165 ft (3–50 m)
- Habitat Coral reefs and rocks
- Distribution Tropical waters of Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic
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