Gem anemone (Aulactinia verrucosa)
The gem anemone, Aulactinia verrucosa, in south west Guernsey.
Photographer: Richard Lord Copyright: Richard Lord
A gem anemone.
Photographer: Tabitha Pearman Copyright: Tabitha Pearman
Adult Aulactinia verrucosa with juvenile.
Photographer: Keith Hiscock Copyright: Dr Keith Hiscock
Closed and open gem anemones.
Photographer: Richard Lord Copyright: Richard Lord
The gem anemone, Aulactinia verrucosa, of the west coast of Guernsey.
Photographer: Richard Lord Copyright: Richard Lord
Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.
| Researched by | Marie Skewes | Refereed by | Admin |
| Authority | (Pennant, 1777) | ||
| Other common names | - | Synonyms | Bunodactis verrucosa (Pennant, 1777) |
Summary
Description
Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland
Aulactinia verrucosa is a southern species reaching its northern limit in the British Isles where it is most common on south and west shores. Present on all Irish coasts. Recorded at a few locations in south-west Scotland and Shetland.Global distribution
Present in south-west Europe and the Mediterranean.Habitat
Found on the shore in localities exposed to strong wave action but also in sheltered places. Typically found in crevices in shallow water and in rock pools among Corallina. Also found attached to the bedrock beneath the layer of sand or gravel which often accumulates on the bottom of pools.Depth range
-Identifying features
- Verrucae prominent and arranged in up to 48 vertical rows.
- No acrorhagi present, but verrucae extend on to the parapet.
Additional information
Aulactinia verrucosa closes tightly when disturbed assuming a hemispherical shape resembling the denuded test of Echinus. It is similar to Anthopleura rubripunctata, which is often larger (up to 70 mm tall) and is covered with verrucae that are often red.Listed by
- none -
Bibliography
Campbell, A.C., 1982. The Hamlyn guide to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea. London: Hamlyn.
Fish, J.D. & Fish, S., 1996. A student's guide to the seashore. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Hayward, P., Nelson-Smith, T. & Shields, C. 1996. Collins pocket guide. Sea shore of Britain and northern Europe. London: HarperCollins.
Hayward, P.J. & Ryland, J.S. (ed.) 1995b. Handbook of the marine fauna of North-West Europe. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hiscock, K., Southward, A., Tittley, I., Jory, A. & Hawkins, S., 2001. The impact of climate change on subtidal and intertidal benthic species in Scotland. Scottish National Heritage Research, Survey and Monitoring Report , no. 182., Edinburgh: Scottish National Heritage
Howson, C.M. & Picton, B.E. (ed.), 1997. The species directory of the marine fauna and flora of the British Isles and surrounding seas. Belfast: Ulster Museum. [Ulster Museum publication, no. 276.]
Manuel, R.L., 1988. British Anthozoa. London: Academic Press.[Synopses of the British Fauna, no. 18.]
Citation
This review can be cited as:
Last Updated: 08/06/2007
