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Strawberry Anemone

Strawberry Anemone ©Paul Naylor

Strawberry anemone

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Scientific name: Actinia fragacea
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!

Top facts

Category

Stats

Diameter: 10cm

Conservation status

Common

When to see

January to December

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.

What to look for

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.

Where to find

Found on rocky shores around the UK.

Habitats

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.