''Anthostella stephensoni'', the violet-spotted anemone, is a species of

sea anemone Sea anemones are a group of predation, predatory marine invertebrates of the order (biology), order Actiniaria. Because of their colourful appearance, they are named after the ''Anemone'', a terrestrial flowering plant. Sea anemones are classifi ...

in the family Actiniidae.Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. ''Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa''

Description

The violet-spotted anemone is a medium-sized anemone of up to 12 cm in diameter. It has a smooth yellow column with randomly placed bright violet spots. Scarlet lines radiate from the mouth to 48 short blunt tentacles. Two violet spots are normally found on either side of the mouth.Jones, Georgina. ''A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula.'' SURG, Cape Town, 2008.

Distribution

The violet-spotted anemone is only found around the southern African coast from Luderitz to Richards Bay. It inhabits waters from low tide to at least 18m in depth.

References

Actiniidae Animals described in 1938 {{Actiniaria-stub