Dahlia anemone

Dahlia Anemone (Urticina felina), also known as the Northern Red Anemone, is a species of sea anemone in the family Actiniidae. It is found in the cold waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean, including the North Sea and the coastlines of the British Isles. This species is notable for its striking appearance, resembling the dahlia flower, with a wide range of colors from bright red to orange, and sometimes even green or brown.

Description

The Dahlia Anemone can reach up to 20 cm in diameter. It has a broad, flat base that it uses to attach itself to rocks or other hard substrates. The body is cylindrical, with a central mouth surrounded by numerous tentacles. These tentacles are used for both defense and to capture prey, which includes small fish, mollusks, and other invertebrates.

Habitat and Distribution

Urticina felina prefers rocky substrates where it can easily attach itself. It is commonly found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone down to 50 meters, though it has been recorded at depths of up to 300 meters. Its distribution includes the cold waters of the northern Atlantic, from the Arctic Ocean down to the northern coasts of Spain.

Behavior

Dahlia Anemones are solitary creatures, although they may occasionally be found in loose aggregations if space allows. They are primarily sessile, meaning they spend most of their lives attached to a single spot. However, they can move slowly if necessary, either by sliding on their base or by detaching and using currents to drift to a new location.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Urticina felina can occur both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization occurs. The resulting larvae then settle on a suitable substrate and develop into a new individual. Asexually, this species can reproduce through a process known as pedal laceration, where pieces of the base detach and grow into new anemones.

Conservation Status

Currently, there is no specific conservation status for the Dahlia Anemone. However, like many marine species, it faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and the effects of climate change.

See Also

• Actiniidae
• Sea anemone
• Marine biology

References

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