spinnaker anemone

Korsaranthus natalensis

The spinnaker anemone, ''Korsaranthus natalensis'', also known as the candy-striped anemone, is a species of sea anemone in the family Actiniidae. It is the only member of its genus.
Spinnaker Anemone - Korsaranthus natalensis Korsaranthus natalensis is a sole member of the genus Korsaranthus. This is a very interesting mobile sea anemone attacking and feeding octocorals. It has a distinctive and apparently constant color - red or orange with white stripes and could be easily distinguished in the field. So far it is known only from South Africa. Anemone,Geotagged,Korsaranthus natalensis,Sea Anemone,South Africa,Summer,Umkomaas,spinnaker anemone

Appearance

The spinnaker anemone is a medium-sized anemone of up to 10 cm in diameter. It is a vividly coloured red and white striped anemone. Its column has fine striping. It has about 50 broadly striped tentacles. Red and pink lines radiate outwards from its mouth. It has a walking disc which is red with white striping.

Distribution

The spinnaker anemone is endemic to the South African coast, where it is found from False Bay to Durban. It inhabits waters from 10 m to at least 30 m in depth.

Habitat

This is a rare anemone. It is mobile and may be observed, when not attached to the reef, using its parachute-like walking disc to sail to new locations. It preys on octocorals.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionCnidaria
ClassAnthozoa
OrderActiniaria
FamilyActiniidae
GenusKorsaranthus
SpeciesK. natalensis
Photographed in
South Africa