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Oulactis Anemone
Oulactis muscosa
-33.4578, 151.442
Field Notes
Description:
Beautifully coloured Oulactis Anemone, also commonly known as Sand Anemone and Speckled Anemone, loves to cover itself with sand and shellgrit. This species belongs in the family Actiniidae, and all anemones in the order Actiniaria. They are named after the anemone, a terrestrial flowering plant, because of the colourful appearance of many. Oulactis muscosa is normally found in rocky areas of the mid to low intertidal zone, in sand which has settled into cracks and crevices. Usually, only the oral disc and tentacles are visible. Oulactis muscosa is closely related to O. macmurrichi (the southern sand anemone), which shares the same distribution and habitat. O. muscosa can be distinguished by the difference in colouration. It is possible that the two are variants of the same species.
Habitat:
Freshly flushed ocean rock pools at North Avoca Beach. This species of anemone can be found in South Australia, Tasmania, NSW and southern Queensland, and also in New Zealand.
Notes:
Beautifully crystal-clear seawater on the now receding tide. In fact, the water was so clear I almost submerged my camera in it on more than one occasion. As I took the photos, I had my pinky finger extended so as to sense the water surface. I was attracted to this specimen because of its colours, made vivid by the late afternoon light. Here's another specimen I found at the same location which appears to be spawning either eggs or polyps. Check it out - https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/35969003
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