Actinia striata
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Actinia striata | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Subphylum: | Anthozoa |
| Class: | Hexacorallia |
| Order: | Actiniaria |
| Family: | Actiniidae |
| Genus: | Actinia |
| Species: | A. striata |
| Binomial name | |
| Actinia striata Rizzi, 1907[2] | |
Actinia striata is a species of sea anemone endemic to the Mediterranean Sea.[3]
Actinia striata is a solitary sea anemone. The cylindrical column can grow to a height and diameter of 3 cm (1.2 in) and the foot flares out to a diameter of 6 cm (2.4 in). The crown consists of six whorls of tentacles making 196 tentacles in all. The column is variable in colour, smooth and finely striated, reddish, dull green or brown, with darker streaks. The tentacles are reddish or greenish and the oral disc is plain red and somewhat transparent. The tentacles can be fully retracted, and then the sea anemone resembles a striped gelatinous mound.[3]
Distribution and habitat
This species is endemic to the western Mediterranean Sea. Its range includes the Mediterranean coasts of Spain and France, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Morocco.[1] It occurs down to about 30 m (100 ft) and is found attached to rock in both well lit areas and among seaweed and under rocks. It can occur at greater depths than Actinia mediterranea or Actinia equina.[3]
Biology
Like other sea anemones, it is carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton which it catches with its tentacles, which thrust the prey into the mouth. It is a generally uncommon species. The sexes are separate and it is viviparous, with breeding probably taking place in summer.[3]