Description

The column of this sea anemone is smooth, not divided into regions: acontia are present but not readily emitted. Tentacles slender, moderate in length, and not readily retracted. A small anemone rarely exceeding 10mm across base. Two colour varieties are known, both of which are illustrated. Reproduces by basal laceration- tearing off fragments of tissue from the base which subsequently develop into tiny anemones. This unobtrusive little anemone is easily mistaken, at first glance, for several other species and consequently may have been overlooked in the past. Sagartia spp. have suckers on column. Diadumene cincta, Haliplanella lineata and Metridium senile have column divided into scapus and capitulum, with a parapet and fosse. Varieties of any of these anemones may bear a slight superficial resemblance to Aiptasiogeton.