Anemones are carnivorous, feeding on tiny plankton or fish
The stinging tentacles of sea anemones are triggered by the slightest touch
Sea Anemones fire a harpoon-like filament called a nematocyst into their prey if touched even slightly
These cnidarians come in a variety of colors, decorating a tide pool or reef like a garden of wildflowers.
Anemones are known to form symbiotic relationships with other animals; their most well-known alliance is with clownfish
Though some are free swimming, most adult anemones stay in one place. They anchor themselves to surfaces or sand with a sticky foot called a pedal disc.
Some anemones also provide safe harbor to green algae in exchange for oxygen and sugar, the by-products of the algae's photosynthesis.
Some colonies of anemones fight other groups to protect their territories. They live in large “armies” near each other. “Scouts” look for space to claim.
If an anemone from another group gets too close, “warriors” slap it with special tentacles that leave patches of stinging cells stuck to the intruder.
Though sea anemones are not endangered, pollution, over-collection, trampling by careless visitors and other human activity can have a negative effect on them.