Invertebrates
Snakelocks Anemone
Anemonia viridis
In a sunlit rock pool in Devon, a snakelocks anemone waves its long green tentacles in the current, their purple tips flickering like the ends of tiny snakes.
Overview
The snakelocks anemone, Anemonia viridis, is a Not Evaluated sea anemone of rock pools and shallow rocky seas in the northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Its wavy green tentacles, algae partners, and spread northwards make it one of the most distinctive anemones of the European seashore.
An anemone that lives on sunlight too
By hosting algae inside its body, the snakelocks anemone gets extra food from sunlight, which is why it spreads its tentacles in bright shallow water.
Status
Not Evaluated globally, though widespread and increasing in parts of its northern range.
Snakelocks Anemone: common questions
Why is it called the snakelocks anemone?
It is named for its long, wavy, snake-like tentacles, which cannot be pulled fully inside.
Why is the snakelocks anemone green?
It houses tiny algae inside its tissues, which give it its green colour and provide extra food from sunlight.
Does its sting hurt?
Its stinging cells usually feel only slightly sticky to human skin, though they are strong enough to catch small prey.
Where is the snakelocks anemone found?
It lives in rock pools and shallow rocky seas of the northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean.