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The bubble-tip anemone is a widely distributed marine invertebrate known for its distinct appearance and symbiotic relationships. These anemones are found throughout many areas of the tropical Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea. They inhabit a broad range of depths, from shallow water down to 200 ft (60 meters) deep. The anemones have tentacles that often develop a "bubble" shape near the tips. The tentacles may also appear long and swaying. The tentacles range from red to green to brown or tan in color. Bubble tip anemones can grow to a
diameter of up to 12 inches (30 centimeters). They use their adhesive disk to attach to the seafloor. Typically, smaller individuals are found in shallow reef sites, while larger individuals inhabit deeper areas. Touching this anemone's tentacles results in a sting to most organisms. The tentacles catch small prey that drift, swim, or crawl too close. Bubble-tip anemones are "host" species that provide protection and nutrients to several organisms. Many species of anemonefish associate with bubble-tip anemones and have a protective mucus
layer that prevents them from being stung. The anemones protect the fish from predators while the fish supplement the anemones with nitrogen-rich waste, provide extra oxygen by fanning their fins, and chase away predators like butterflyfish. Glass anemone shrimp (Periclimenes brevicarpalis) that live on bubble-tip anemones sometimes nibble at their tentacles. Bubble tip anemones have symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae within their tissues. These algae produce nutrients that the anemones use for energy. When attacked by predators like butterflyfish, these anemones
can completely contract their tissues into reef holes to protect themselves. Bubble-tip anemones can reproduce both sexually (through broadcast spawning) and asexually (through fission) where one anemone splits in half, forming two separate anemones. Bubble-tip anemones are in high demand for the marine aquarium trade. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!
