Swimming Anemone

Scientific name: Phlyctenactis tuberculosa
Alternative name/s:
Beach Ball, Brain Anemone
  • Updated
    08/11/21
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Phlyctenactis tuberculosa Click to enlarge image
Swimming Anemone, Phlyctenactis tuberculosa Image: Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Phlyctenactis
    Species
    tuberculosa
    Family
    Actiniidae
    Suborder
    Endocoelantheae
    Order
    Actiniaria
    Subclass
    Hexacorallia
    Class
    Anthozoa
    Phylum
    Cnidaria
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    15 cm

Introduction

The Swimming Anemone is the largest anemone commonly seen in Sydney's rock pools.

Identification

The colour of the tentacles and central column of the Swimming Anemone can be red, yellow, orange or blue, and they are often striped.

Habitat

Swimming Anemones are found on intertidal rocky shores.

Distribution

Swimming Anemones are found throughout the waters of southern Australia, from Western Australia to New South Wales and in New Zealand.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Other behaviours and adaptations

The Swimming Anemone is sometimes found attached to algae or rocks but is able to move around freely. It can crawl along the bottom or drift with the current. During the day the tentacles are usually collapsed but at night the anemone moves to the tips of plants to feed. Compared with other anemones, the Swimming Anemone is quite an agile predator.