A few cerianthid anemones were seen on Dive 15 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. They are recognizable by possessing both an inner and outer ring of tentacles. A number of anemones can actually eject and lose their tentacles, useful for distracting potential predators while they make their escape. These tentacles can grow back, as shown by the smaller ring of tentacles in the center of this anemone. This particular cerianthid was seen at 3,440 meters (11,286 feet) depth and likely represents an unknown species!
Cerianthid Anemone
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones: New England and Corner Rise Seamounts. Download larger version (jpg, 1.2 MB).

A few cerianthid anemones were seen on Dive 15 of the 2021 North Atlantic Stepping Stones expedition. They are recognizable by possessing both an inner and outer ring of tentacles. A number of anemones can actually eject and lose their tentacles, useful for distracting potential predators while they make their escape. These tentacles can grow back, as shown by the smaller ring of tentacles in the center of this anemone. This particular cerianthid was seen at 3,440 meters (11,286 feet) depth and likely represents an unknown species!

Learn more