Life Cycles of Sea Anemones
A sea anemone is an invertebrate polyp with a cylinder body and a mouth encircled by tentacles, according to the Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. It belongs in the Anthozoa class, which also contains coral, and has a sedentary lifestyle.
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Reproduction
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Most species of sea anemones reproduce through sexual reproduction or budding. During sexual reproduction, eggs are fertilized within a sea anemone's gastric cavity.
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Larvae
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Young sea anemones stay with adults until they become larvae, at which point they are released into tropical or ocean waters. Young sea anemones attach themselves to rocks, crab shells or coral reefs. They need a strong current and sunlight to survive, according to Tropicalfishdata.com.
Food
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Sea anemones are carnivorous organisms that use their tentacles, which contain stingers, to ward off predators and collect food. They eat fish, shrimp, plankton, crustaceans and worms.
Relationships with Other Organisms
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Some sea anemones are able to develop symbiosis relationships with clownfish, which are not harmed by their stingers, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation. Predators of sea anemones include the grey sea slug and the tompot blenny, according to Enchantedlearning.com.
Life Span
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Sea anemones can live to be between 60 and 80 years old, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Steve Jurvetson
