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Giant Plumose Anemone

Metridium farcimen

Giant Plumose Anemone

Metridium farcimen
Other Common Names
White-plumed anemone
Gigantic Anemone
At the Aquarium
Sandy Coast
Other Common Names
White-plumed anemone
Gigantic Anemone

At the Aquarium

Sandy Coast

Appearance

The giant plumose anemone ranges from white to orange to brown. This anemone, when fully grown, can be a little over 3 feet long while fully extended. Giant plumose anemones can be easily identified by their thin hair-like tentacles and the lobed center where the mouth is located.

Habitat

Intertidal and subtidal zones. Often found attached to docks.

Diet

Variety of zooplankton including many microscopic crustaceans

Life History

Giant plumose anemones begin their life as microscopic plankton drifting through the ocean. Once they find a spot to settle down, juveniles anchor to the ground and begin growing into adult anemones. While the max lifespan has not been heavily researched, some individuals have been seen living for several years after settling to the seafloor.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Giant plumose anemones mainly eat small plankton. By consuming prey within lower parts of the food web, the giant plumose anemone helps transfer nutrients to higher parts of the food web.
Range
Baja California to Southern Alaska
On the Oregon Coast
Giant plumose anemone can often be found attached to docks.
Fun Facts
While many species of sea anemones are able to clone themselves, the giant plumose anemone can not.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Cowles, D. 2005. Metridium farcimen Tilesius, 1809. Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory. https://inverts.wallawalla.edu/Cnidaria/Class-Anthozoa/Subclass_Zoantharia/Order_Actiniaria/Metridium_farcimen.html
  • Metridium farcimen. Sea Life Base. University of Western Australia. https://www.sealifebase.ca/summary/Metridium-farcimen.html
  • Wells, C. D. 2019. Biology and Ecology of Hexacorallians in the San Juan Archipelago. Thesis, University of Washington.
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About Oregon Coast Aquarium

Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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