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Anemones

Marine life profile

Anemones

Recorded at 91 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Anemones around the world

Sea anemones ( ə-NEM-ə-nee) are a group of predatory marine invertebrate animals constituting the order Actiniaria. Its movements may be subtle, but feeding, filtering and defensive responses are constantly reshaping the reef at close range.

Dive sites91
Countries29
Animal groupInvertebrates
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

Slow down and look for distinctive texture, symmetry and color rather than a familiar fish-like silhouette.

How It Behaves

Its movements may be subtle, but feeding, filtering and defensive responses are constantly reshaping the reef at close range.

Special Ability

Specialized tissues, stinging cells, regeneration or chemical defenses solve survival without speed or heavy armor.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Perfect your buoyancy and observe from above without touching the animal or the surface supporting it.

Safety

Many invertebrates are fragile, venomous or irritating to skin. Keep hands, fins and equipment clear.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

Because of their colourful appearance, they are named after the Anemone, a terrestrial flowering plant.

Where to Find

Look closely on reef walls, coral heads, sand, seagrass, jetties and shaded overhangs.

Known countries

Dominican RepublicIndonesiaSpainAustraliaCanadaPortugalSouth AfricaMexicoMaldivesHondurasGreeceNew ZealandUnited StatesIndiaNetherlandsUnited KingdomThailandFrench Polynesia