Beadlet Anemone Actinia equine
Commonly a deep-red, this rockpool animal is an attractive anemone and is most likely to be found on rocky shores in rockpools, hiding beneath boulders or on rocks.
Conservation status in Norfolk
How to help
The marine environment is under pressure and by supporting campaigns for better protection of marine ecosystems we can help the beadlet anemone and other marine invertebrates.
Helen Nott
Information on the Beadlet Anemone
How to recognise
The beadlet anemone comes in a range of colours (red, brown, green and orange) but is most commonly a uniform deep-red. It is recognisably an anemone when it is under water in a rockpool but like a dark tomato when uncovered. It's an attractive animal typically around 50mm across and 30mm high when open. No other rockpool anemones are this colour.
Where to see
The best place to find beadlet anemones is on rocky shores in the pools of water left when the tide recedes underneath boulders and on rocks. West Runton is the most significant rocky beach in Norfolk, but they may also occur on beach defences such as groynes and pier legs. Divers and snorkelers can see these in the shallows but they do not occur at depth.
When to see
They can be seen all year round.
Did you know?
The beadlet anemone is an animal; it catches its prey on its sticky, stinging tentacles and passes its catches into its central mouth. Anemones have only one opening so when it has finished its meal the remains will be passed out the same way.
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