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Strawberry Anemone

Strawberry Anemone ©Paul Naylor

Strawberry anemone

This large anemone is found on rocky shores around the UK and is so called because its green spots and red body means it looks like a strawberry!

Scientific name

Actinia fragacea

When to see

January to December

Species information

Category

Statistics

Diameter: 10cm

Conservation status

Common

About

Strawberry anemones live attached to rocks on the lower shore all around the coast of the UK. They are bright red in colour, covered in small green spots - which makes them look a lot like a strawberry, especially when their tentacles are retracted at low tide. They have a stout column (body) which attaches to the rock and short, thick stinging tentacles that they use to catch their prey.

How to identify

A stocky anemone, up to 10cm in diameter with short, thick tentacle. Their 'body' is always bright red with tiny green spots, making it look like a strawberry. It is similar to the well known beadlet anemone but larger and obviously spotted.

Distribution

Found on rocky shores around the UK.

Did you know?

Strawberry anemones are highly territorial. They have a ring of beads beneath their tentacles called acrorhagithat are packed full of stinging cells. They use these beads to fight off other anemones and defend their preferred patch.