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Tube-dwelling Anemone

Pachycerianthus fimbriatus

Tube-dwelling Anemone

Pachycerianthus fimbriatus
Other Common Names
Tube Anemone
At the Aquarium
Sandy Coast
Other Common Names
Tube Anemone

At the Aquarium

Sandy Coast

Appearance

The black tube of this anemone can be over 3 feet long and with a diameter of about 1 inch. The actual animal within the tube only reaches a maximum length of 13.5 inches. Tube anemones have 2 sets of tentacles. The long, slender outer tentacles are for defense and capturing food while the short, inner tentacles are for manipulating food items.

Habitat

Sandy or Muddy seafloors subtidally to depths of 800 feet

Diet

Small invertebrates and plankton

Life History

Breeding in tube anemones is not well-studied. It is known that they have pelagic larvae but length of time as plankton differs among species. Some species have larvae that only spend a few hours as plankton while other species’ larvae spend several weeks as plankton. Can live up to 10 years.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

The giant nudibranch Dendronotus iris feeds on the tube-dwelling anemone’s tentacles and also attaches its eggs to the tube.
Range
Southern Alaska to Baja California, Mexico
On the Oregon Coast
You would need to go scuba diving to observe these creatures in Oregon!
Fun Facts
This anemone secretes the soft, slimy black tube that it lives in and withdraws its tentacles into for protection. This tube can extend over 3 feet deep into the sediment.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Biodiversity of the Central Coast website: https://www.centralcoastbiodiversity.org/tube-dwelling-anemone-bull-pachycerianthus-fimbriatus.html
  • Invertebrates of the Salish Sea website: https://inverts.wallawalla.edu/Cnidaria/Class-Anthozoa/Subclass_Ceriantipatharia/Order_Ceriantharia/Pachycerianthus_fimbriatus.html
  • Stampar, Sérgio N., et al. inchesCeriantharia in current systematics: life cycles, morphology and genetics.inches The Cnidaria, past, present and future: the world of medusa and her sisters (2016): 61-72.
  • State of Washington Department of Ecology: https://ecology.wa.gov/blog/june-2017/eyes-under-puget-sound-critter-of-the-month-tube
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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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