Source-This post on Sea Anemone is based on the article “Scientists flag mass sea anemone bleaching off Agatti island” published in “The Hindu” on 12th May 2024.
Why in the News?
Researchers at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) who were studying sea anemones in the Lakshadweep archipelago have observed widespread bleaching of anemones near Agatti Island.
About Sea Anemones
1. About Sea anemones: They are soft-bodied, invertebrate aquatic animals known for their ability to sting.
2. Taxonomic Classification: It belongs to the phylum Cnidaria. Sea anemones are ocean-dwelling creatures with unique adaptations for survival in marine environments.
3. Habitat: They typically reside in oceans and are closely associated with corals and live rocks.
3. Characteristics: It has the following characteristics features:
i) Sea anemones display a range of colours and can have numerous tentacles. It varies from a dozen to a few hundred.
ii) Their vibrant hues and graceful tentacles adorn tide pools and reefs.
iii) These organisms possess a sticky foot or disc that enables them to anchor themselves to rocks on the sea bottom or coral reefs, ensuring stability in their habitat.
iv) It is equipped with stinging cells containing organelles called nematocysts. Sea anemones can deliver potent stings to prey or threats. These nematocysts contain small threads that are ejected when triggered mechanically or chemically.
4. Symbiotic Relationships: Sea anemones often form symbiotic associations with various animals, with the most famous partnership being with clownfish.
i) The clownfish seeks refuge within the anemone’s tentacles, protected from predators, while providing leftover meals to the anemone.
ii) Certain species of sea anemones also engage in symbiosis with Hermit crabs.
iii) The anemone attaches itself to the crab’s shell, benefiting from transportation and access to food, while the crab gains protection from predators through the anemone’s presence.
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