Sandy anemone

Introduction: The column of a sandy anemone (Aulactinia reynaudi) is covered in flattened sticky knobs, a feature to which sand and gravel sticks. There are over 300 short tentacles but no spherules. These anemones are found in sandy gullies, near pools and around base of boulders.

Distribution: From the Orange River mouth north past Bogenfels to Luderitz, Penguin Island extending to south of Spencer Bay.

Diet: Feeds on sea urchins, whelks, mussels and other marine life disturbed by tidal activity

Colouration: Brown, blue, pink and green

Breeding: Juveniles occur in mussel beds

Max size: Up to 80mm in diametre