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EXPLORE > ANIMALS > INVERTEBRATES
Anthopleura xanthogrammica
If you have ever had the pleasure of going tidepooling on the Oregon Coast, you have undoubtedly seen these beautiful marine animals clumped to the rocks. When living close to the sunlight, these invertebrates are usually a vivid green — a coloration often causes people to confuse them for plants.
These anemones have numerous conical-shaped tentacles that surround an “oral disk” where the mouth is located. The tentacles deliver a sting that can immobilize small prey animals such as crabs, fish and sea urchins before they are pulled down into the mouth. The sting is harmless to human beings and creates more of a “sticky” sensation when touched.
These anemones may live together under crowded conditions but are not aggressive toward each other. They may cover their columnar bodies with pieces of shell and gravel, a behavior which scientists believe helps to reflect sunlight, hold in moisture and keep the animals cool when the tide drops.
Range and Habitat
Giant green anemones live on rocks in tide pools, in deep channels, along exposed shores and on concrete pilings in open bays and harbors all along the Oregon Coast.
Conservation Status
Common.
Anthopleura xanthogrammica
If you have ever had the pleasure of going tidepooling on the Oregon Coast, you have undoubtedly seen these beautiful marine animals clumped to the rocks. When living close to the sunlight, these invertebrates are usually a vivid green — a coloration often causes people to confuse them for plants.
These anemones have numerous conical-shaped tentacles that surround an “oral disk” where the mouth is located. The tentacles deliver a sting that can immobilize small prey animals such as crabs, fish and sea urchins before they are pulled down into the mouth. The sting is harmless to human beings and creates more of a “sticky” sensation when touched.
These anemones may live together under crowded conditions but are not aggressive toward each other. They may cover their columnar bodies with pieces of shell and gravel, a behavior which scientists believe helps to reflect sunlight, hold in moisture and keep the animals cool when the tide drops.
Range and Habitat
Giant green anemones live on rocks in tide pools, in deep channels, along exposed shores and on concrete pilings in open bays and harbors all along the Oregon Coast.
Conservation Status
Common.
