Giant green anemones are found in a wide range along the Pacific coast, from Alaska to Panama. Related to jellyfish and coral species, they have a column-shaped body with a circular top made up of long tentacles.
The life of a giant green anemone
Giant green anemones can grow nearly 12 inches tall and 10 inches around. Their circular top has at least six rings of tentacles. They live up to 80 years in human care, and some have been found to live 150 years in the wild! They are typically found from shallow waters to depths of up to 50 feet.
Giant green anemones perform a process called broadcast spawning. Females release thousands of eggs at a time, which males then fertilize. Many anemones can reproduce on their own by splitting, but giant green anemones can only reproduce through broadcast spawning.
Giant green anemones are carnivores that stun and capture prey with their tentacles, which contain barbed venomous ends. They attach to rock surfaces and rarely move from the areas they choose. They eat small fish, crabs, sea urchins and mussels.
Their poisonous tentacles help defend them from predators, which include sea snails and sea spiders, as well as crabs and sea stars.
Giant green anemones at the zoo
Located in Steller Cove.
