The Venus flytrap sea anemone (Actinoscyphia aurelia) is a large sea anemone that superficially resembles a Venus flytrap. It closes its tentacles to capture prey or to protect itself. It is a deep ocean species.
Distribution
This sea anemone is found in muddy situations at bathyal depths in deep water canyons in the Gulf of Mexico. It has also been observed at several sites in the upwelling region off the coast of West Africa as well as the American Samoan region of the Pacific, but is uncommon elsewhere.[3]
Biology
Venus flytrap sea anemone is a passive suspension feeder, and orients itself on its often slender column so that it faces the upwelling current.[4] Its pedal disc is small, and its tentacles are short compared to the large, concave oral disc, which is funnel or mushroom-shaped. It extends its tentacles in two rows, one reflexed back and one sloping forward, and collects food particles as they drift past.[3][5] Although usually considered sessile, the Venus flytrap sea anemone sometimes moves, particularly as a juvenile.[5]
During deep water research off Cap Blanc, Mauritania, at depths between 1,000 and 2,000 metres (3,300 and 6,600 ft), the Venus flytrap sea anemone and the irregular sea urchin Pourtalesia miranda were found to dominate the benthic community.[4]
^ abAmmons, Archie W. & Daly, Marymegan (2008). "Distribution, habitat use and ecology of deepwater anemones (Actiniaria) in the Gulf of Mexico". Deep-Sea Research. 55 (24–26): 2657–2666. Bibcode:2008DSRII..55.2657A. doi:10.1016/j.dsr2.2008.07.015.