Wild Wednesday – Snakelocks anemone
This week's Wild Wednesday takes us beneath the waves to meet one of the most striking residents of our coastal rockpools - the Snakelocks anemone, scientific name Anemonia viridis. With its flowing, fluorescent tentacles and fascinating lifestyle, this marine marvel is a true gem of the Sussex shoreline.
It gets its name from its long, wavy tentacles that resemble a head of snakes. These tentacles are typically bright green with purple tips, thanks to a partnership with mutual living inside them.
Unlike many other anemones, Snakelocks do not retract their tentacles, even when disturbed. This is because they rely heavily on sunlight for their algae to thrive. You will find them in sunny rockpools and shallow waters, often clinging to rocks or nestled among seaweed.
In West Sussex, they can be spotted on the lower parts of rocky shores and in rockpools, especially around areas like Selsey Bill, Littlehampton, and Worthing. The Sussex Wildlife Trust notes their presence in local marine habitats, where they play a role in the delicate coastal ecosystem - read more here: Snakelocks Anemone | Sussex Wildlife Trust
While beautiful, these anemones pack a punch! Their tentacles contain stinging cells used to stun prey like small fish and prawns. If you're out rockpooling, admire them from a distance and avoid touching, as they can deliver a mild sting to humans too.
Snakelocks anemones contain a green fluorescent protein that makes them glow under UV light - a feature that's not just cool, but also useful in scientific research.
These creatures are not endangered, but they are sensitive to pollution and habitat disruption. If you are exploring the coast, remember to leave rocks as you found them, avoid removing marine life, and support local conservation efforts like those led by the Sussex Wildlife Trust.