The anemones of the Two Oceans Aquarium

Anemones inject poison into their prey through barbs located in their tentacles, which fire on contact (but don't worry, human skin is too thick for most anemones to harm). They also secrete a special slime to protect themselves. This slime prevents the stinging cells on one tentacle from firing when they come into contact with another tentacle or with the anemone's own body.

There are over 1 000 species of sea anemone in the ocean. Let's check out a few that you'll find at the Two Oceans Aquarium!

There is no doubt that strawberry anemones are quite easy on the eye. Their fascinating pink colour makes them stand out and often ignites a few "aww" moments among Aquarium visitors. However, these animals have a bit more about them than just their appearance.

Strawberry anemones pack a mighty punch! Or should we say, sting! They have tiny stinging cells that are not visible to the naked eye but can be seen clearly under a microscope (much like the one at our Microscope Exhibit).

Fun fact: Strawberry anemones have the ability to clone themselves by a process known as fission.

Much like strawberry anemones, these aren't too bad to look at either, don't you think? Sandy anemones are often found in large numbers in sandy gullies on the Atlantic coastline. Although you're guaranteed to see them on your Aquarium visit, these animals may be quite tricky to spot in their natural environment. Sandy anemones are known to cover themselves with sand and bits of broken seashell for three reasons:

1. As protection from the sun and to keep cool.
2. To hide from and avoid predators.
3. To guard themselves against abrasion by sand-laden waves.
   

We have reason to believe there's an ongoing trend among the Aquarium's anemones: They are all beautiful! These fascinating anemones with their violet spots and bright scarlet stripes appear all set to be the belles of the ball - or the ocean equivalent.

Their bright colours also attract unsuspecting prey. Violet-spotted anemones have 48 tentacles which are used to sting and capture their prey. These animals typically inhabit waters from low tide to at least 18m in depth.

Although marine biologists know very little about this species, one thing we're sure about, is that you'll find them here at the Two Oceans Aquarium!

The feather-duster anemone, a foreigner in South African waters, was first reported to have appeared in the dock of Table Bay in 1996, and has just recently been sighted on deeper reefs of the Agulhas Bank. While alien here, these animals are abundant in the Northern Hemisphere.

Feather-duster anemones appear in various forms with a wider base than the column and have short feather-duster-like tentacles (hence the name). They're known to reach a height of 30cm. They are simple in colour, but white, orange or dark green but brown, grey or occasionally red or yellow varieties can occur.

What do they eat?

Feather-duster anemones feed mostly on copepods and the larvae of worms, molluscs and barnacles.

Tube anemones have worm-like bodies that are enclosed in long mucous tubes which are buried into the sand or mud. When these animals feel threatened or disturbed, they rapidly withdraw into their tubes as a form of protection. Their bodies are 150mm long with a tube of up to a metre.

Just so you know:

The tube anemones on display at the Two Oceans Aquarium were collected by our divers in the yacht marina in front of the Aquarium. On our literal doorstep!

Make sure to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium to see these beautiful and complex animals for yourself. They look MUCH better in person!