Christmas anemones are found on the Pacific coast from Alaska to southern California. They attach to solid surfaces on rocky seafloors, in kelp forests and on human-made structures. They have a column-shaped body with a circular top.
The life of a Christmas anemone
Christmas anemones grow from about two to 10 inches around and can live as long as 80 years. They are found from shallow waters down to a depth of nearly 100 feet. They can inflate or deflate their bodies based on water temperature.
Christmas anemones are carnivores that feast on small crustaceans, mollusks, plankton and larval fish. They use stinging tentacles to stun their prey and guide it into their mouths. Females can reproduce after being fertilized by a male, or they can reproduce on their own in a process called pedal laceration. A portion of the female’s foot breaks off and eventually grows into a new Christmas anemone.
Their bright colors and stinging tentacles are meant to deter predators, which include fish, sea stars and sea turtles.
Christmas anemones at the zoo
Located in Steller Cove.
