Yellow cluster anemone (Parazoanthus axinellae)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Parazoanthus axinellae
- Common name
- Yellow cluster anemone
- Category
- Corals
- Family
- Parazoanthidae
- Genus
- Parazoanthus
- Size
- 5–50 cm
- Depth
- 5–150 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky, reef
- Behaviours
- sessile, colonial
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Parazoanthus axinellae forms colonies of small vivid-sulfur-yellow polyps of 1 cm, clustered in dozens as encrusting mats on sponges (often Axinella), gorgonians or rocks. Lives from 5 m to 150 m. Spectacular color lighting up coralligenous walls, one of the most photogenic and recognizable Mediterranean subjects. Sometimes mistaken for a hard coral but it is a soft zoanthid.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Yellow cluster anemone?
- Yellow cluster anemone (Parazoanthus axinellae) reaches 5–50 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Yellow cluster anemone?
- Yellow cluster anemone is found between 5–150 m deep.
- Is the Yellow cluster anemone dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Yellow cluster anemone?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Yellow cluster anemone?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Parazoanthidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 101055)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2258030)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia