Giant Plumose Anemone (Metridium farcimen)

Description: Giant plumose anemones are typically white, but can also be a pale pink, tan, or a light brown. They have a long stalk and fluffy tentacles.

Habitat: Ranging from Alaska to Mexico, plumose anemones can be found on docks, pilings, and rocks in the lower intertidal zone. They can also be found in the subtidal zone up to 300 meters deep. At Haystack rock plumose anemones can be found near the needles and on the south side of the rock.

Diet: The diet of plumose anemones primarily consists of plankton and small fish

Tide Pool Tidbits:

• The giant plumose anemone can grow to up to 1 meter in height, making it the tallest species of polyp.

• Unlike other species of anemone found at Haystack, the plumose anemone has over 200 thin tentacles arranged in lobes that appear fluffy.

• Shaggy mouse nudibranchs prey on giant plumose anemones.

Reference: Central Coast Biodiversity, Georgia Aquarium