Fireworks Anemone
Pachycerianthus multiplicatus
Habitat: Muddy sea floor
Depth: 10-130m
Food: Zooplankton
Length: 30cm across
Lifespan: Unknown
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
This striking anemone is well named – looking like a burst of sparks in the muddy depths. It is a burrowing animal and has a tube that extends to 1m into the mud, into which the whole anemone can retreat if disturbed. The long, stripey outer tentacles surround shorter bristly tentacles around the central mouth. If you watch closely you will see the outer tentacles coil up to bring trapped food to the mouth.