Mediterranean Beadlet Anemone

Actinia mediterranea is a solitary anemone fixed on rocks with its cylindrical foot used as a suction pad. Underwater, this anemone displays a large number of short and retractable tentacles arranged in six concentric rows. The soft body is smooth and bright red with a fine blue border at the foot base. This characteristic blue border is a distinctive point to make the difference with Actinia equina, but size also can help as Actinia mediterranea is a bit larger (5 to 7 cm) than its close relative (3 to 5 cm).

Actinia mediterranea lives in the intertidal zone, fixed on rocks usually hidden from the direct sunlight, and can be found both in exposed and sheltered places. This anemone is highly adapted to hard living conditions and can tolerate tides, temperature and salinity variations and also desiccation. During low tide, the tentacles retract and the anemone resembles a compact blob of red like a small tomato.