Strawberry Anemone ©Paul Naylor

Strawberry anemone

This large anemone is found on rocky shores around the UK and is so called because its green spots and red body means it looks like a strawberry!

Scientific name

Actinia fragacea

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Diameter: 10cm

Conservation status

Common

Habitats

About

Strawberry anemones live attached to rocks on the lower shore all around the coast of the UK. They are bright red in colour, covered in small green spots - which makes them look a lot like a strawberry, especially when their tentacles are retracted at low tide. They have a stout column (body) which attaches to the rock and short, thick stinging tentacles that they use to catch their prey.

How to identify

A stocky anemone, up to 10cm in diameter with short, thick tentacle. Their 'body' is always bright red with tiny green spots, making it look like a strawberry. It is similar to the well known beadlet anemone but larger and obviously spotted.

Distribution

Found on rocky shores around the UK.

Did you know?

Strawberry anemones are highly territorial. They have a ring of beads beneath their tentacles called acrorhagithat are packed full of stinging cells. They use these beads to fight off other anemones and defend their preferred patch.

How people can help

When rockpooling, be careful to leave everything as you found it - replace any rocks you turn over, put back any crabs or fish and ensure not to scrape anything off its rocky home. If you want to learn more about our rockpool life, Wildlife Trusts around the UK run rockpool safaris and offer Shoresearch training - teaching you to survey your local rocky shore. The data collected is then used to protect our coasts and seas through better management or through the designation of Marine Protected Areas. The Wildlife Trusts are working with sea users, scientists, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust or checking out our Action Pages.