''Cricophorus nutrix'', commonly known as the brooding or nurse anemone, is a species of sea anemone

endemic Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found els ...

to New Zealand. It is found living in colonies on the stem of large seaweed and kelp species in the low

tidal zone The intertidal zone, also known as the foreshore, is the area above water level at low tide and underwater at high tide (in other words, the area within the tidal range). This area can include several types of habitats with various species of ...

. It can also live in deep tidal pools where seaweed is present.

Description

This small anemone has a diameter of 10–15 millimetres with a range of colours that can appear to be

iridescent Iridescence (also known as goniochromism) is the phenomenon of certain surfaces that appear to gradually change color as the angle of view or the angle of illumination changes. Examples of iridescence include soap bubbles, feathers, butterfl ...

. When underwater it extends short, fine, smooth tentacles that are 2–5 millimetres long with rounded tips. These are arranged in three to four crowded whorls along the edge of the disc. The inner tentacles can be twice as long as the outer tentacles. Tentacle colour can range between light yellow and deep brown and often feature green, blue or red tinges. Its central disc can be a similar colour to the tentacles or a contrasting colour such as white, purple or orange and usually features radial markings. Its mouth can be light blue, bright pink or purple, and often has a lighter colour on the interior. The anemone's column is usually a deep brown colour, but can also be green, blue, or yellow. Out of water, the tentacles retract and the anemone camouflages itself against the plant it is attached to.

Behaviour

Brooding anemone release long, white threads of stinging cells when it is disturbed. This is a defence mechanism to deter attackers.

References

Hormathiidae Marine fauna of New Zealand Animals described in 1909 {{Actiniaria-stub