The beadlet anemone is the most familiar sea anemone in Britain. When disturbed or exposed to air at low tide it appears as a bright red blob of jelly, but when feeding up to 192 beautiful stinging tentacles emerge, arranged in 6 circles around the mouth. The smooth ‘body' of the anemone, correctly known as the column, is usually bright red but may be greenish or brown, with blue, green or yellow spots. There is often a brilliant blue line around the adhesive base, and bright blue spots (known as acrorhagi) containing stinging cells are located at the top of the column.

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They are very common on most rocky shores of Britain. Elsewhere, this species is found from the White Sea in Russia to the West coast of Africa, and is found in the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean. This anemone attaches to hard surfaces and is found from the upper to lower shore, down to depths of 20 m. It can also tolerate brackish water and may be found in estuaries. Beadlet anemones are either male or female, but it is not yet understood if sexual reproduction occurs. Both sexes are known to brood offspring internally before giving birth to live young.

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It is thought that the offspring are produced asexually by a process of internal ‘budding'. However, some experts believe that sexual reproduction leading to pelagic larvae may take place in some situations. These animal's are not under any threats and is nowhere close to extinction. I learned a lot about anemones like how they reproduce.

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Author: Dorothy A

Published: 03/2008

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Sources: http://www.glaucus.org.uk/Beadlet.htm http://www.kscience.co.uk/as/module5/seashore_web_site/organisms /beadlet.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beadlet_anemone

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Photo Credit: Andy Horton http://www.glaucus.org.uk/Beadlet.htm