Amplexidiscus fenestrafer

(Dunn & Hamner, 1980)

Vernacular names
English : Giant mushroom anemone
French : Anémone oreille d’éléphant

Classification
Class : Anthozoa
Order : Corallimorpharia
Family : Discosomidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The biggest corallimorpharia species, reaching a maximum diameter of 90 cm, mostly around 30 cm. Flat disc-shaped body with big protruding mouth and small tentacles in radiating rows. Coloration is often beige to dull light brown.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific region, from Mayotte and Maldives to French Polynesia, north to South Japan, south to New Caledonia. Found on top of coral reefs areas, often in turbid waters, from 1 to 30 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species hasn’t been assessed on the Red List but it seems to be at least locally common. Could be declining because of habitat destruction.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Corals, Gorgonians, Anemones and relatives” page