Snakelocks anemones have a squat greyish-brown body and up to 200 long, wavy, snake-like tentacles that give them their name. The tentacles are normally bright green with purple tips and rarely retracted.  

Behaviour

Snakelocks anemone tend to be fixed in one place, and is normally the only sea anemone species in a pool, fighting off other species. They are frequently found living in colonies. 

A major characteristic of this anemone is that it has mutually beneficial relationships with other species. These are called symbiotic relationships. The anemone contains symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae (like some corals), found in the anemone’s tissues. The zooxanthellae provide food while the anemone provides nitrogen. The spider crab and Snakelocks anemone also often enjoy a commensal relationship; the anemone providing protection for the spider crab, which is immune to its sting. 

Their stinging cells which line the anemone’s tentacles are used to capture prey such as; prawns, small fish and sea snails.  

 

Size

Up to 20 cm diameter

Status

Common

Distribution

They live attached to rocks or blades of eel-grass in sunny spots in inter–tidal pools and in shallow seas down to about 20 m. Their range extends all around the west coast of Scotland as far north as Orkney.

When to see

All year round

Facts

• Snakelocks anemone can live for up to 60 years!
• Snakelocks anemone cells contain a special protein that makes them glow fluorescent green under ultraviolet light.