Beadlet Anemones can be seen as dark red blobs on the sides of rockpools and on the rocky shore. The base of their bodies sticks them to the rocks and prevent them from being washed away by the tide. The Beadlet Anemone opens up once the tide comes in and the anemone is fully submerged. Once they are under water and don’t feel threatened, the Beadlet Anemone will release their thick short tentacles which makes them look like flowers. They use these tentacles to sting and catch passing prey like small fish, crabs and shrimp. Their tentacles are then retracted at low tide or if the anemone is disturbed. 

Despite being stuck to rocks, Beadlet anemones are highly territorial and they can move (albeit very slowly!) to fight off other anemones in the vicinity. Beadlet Anemones have a ring of beautiful bright blue beads beneath their tentacles that are packed full of stinging cells. They use these beads defend their preferred patch but don’t worry these cells aren’t potent enough to give us much of a sting!