Named after the dahlia flowers, this anemone often has a beautiful striped pattern on their tentacles, and a knobbly body. The tentacles come in a wide range of colours including pinks, purples, yellows and oranges; though they are most commonly a reddish brown.

Behaviour

They can be very well camouflaged as they often have gravel, shell fragments and even algae stuck to their body. They feed on small fish and crustaceans, using their stinging tentacles to immobilise passing prey.

Size

Up to 15 cm diameter

Status

Common

Distribution

This species can be found on rocky shores around the UK.

When to see

All year round

Facts

• They are known to be long-lived and species have been recorded at over 80 years old!