False plum anemone

Introduction: False plum anemones (Pseudactinia flagellifera) cannot retract or close up their tentacles easily. They are often found in large family groups or singly in shallow reefs or pools, slowly moving around inflating their vesicles attacking and stinging other non-related marine life to exercise their territorial rights. Owns the most potent anemone venom, which will affect humans if contacting a cut in the skin.

Distribution: Orange River mouth extending north up the coast of the Namib Desert no further than Luderitz.

Diet: Molluscs and crustaceans.

Colouration: Smooth orange or red column with orange, bubble looking vesicles. Tips of tentacles often mauve.

Breeding: Either sexual/body division.

Max size: 50 to 100mm.