HRAP Online Encyclopedia

Anemones

Despite their flower-like appearance, sea anemones are a living animal. They are in the phylum Cnidaria along with jellyfish, a group of animals that contain stinging cells called nematocysts. Anemones use the stinging cells that cover their tentacles to catch food and protect themselves from predators. The species of anemone at Haystack Rock are safe to touch! Their stinging cells are not strong enough to hurt people, instead they feel sticky velcro. Sea anemones can be found growing on top of exposed rocks and in the tide pools surrounding Haystack.