Korsaranthus is a genus of sea anemones in the family Actiniidae.[1] It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Korsaranthus natalensis, commonly known as the spinnaker anemone or the candy-striped anemone.
| Korsaranthus natalensis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Hexacorallia |
| Order: | Actiniaria |
| Family: | Actiniidae |
| Genus: | Korsaranthus Riemann-Zurneck, 1999 |
| Species: | K. natalensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Korsaranthus natalensis (Carlgren, 1938)
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Description
editThe spinnaker anemone is a medium-sized anemone of up to 10 cm in diameter. It is a vividly coloured red and white striped anemone. Its column has fine striping. It has about 50 broadly striped tentacles. Red and pink lines radiate outwards from its mouth. It has a walking disc which is red with white striping.[2]
Distribution
editThe spinnaker anemone is endemic to the South African coast, from False Bay to Durban. It is found in waters from 10 m to at least 30 m in depth.
Ecology
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This is a rare species of anemone. It is mobile and may be observed, when not attached to the reef, using its parachute-like walking disc to sail to new locations. It preys on octocorals.[2]
References
edit- ^ 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 ISBN 978-1-77007-772-0
- ^ a b Jones, Georgina. A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula. SURG, Cape Town, 2008. ISBN 978-0-620-41639-9
External links
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Media related to Korsaranthus natalensis at Wikimedia Commons
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