Santa Cruz, CA July 6, 2008 These small anemones can become large colonies by splitting and cloning themselves. These were photographed in a tiny tide pool at Natural Bridges SP. During low tide the anemones pull in their tentacles and look much like mushy rocks. They often have pieces of broken seashells and sand attached to their top side.
When the tide goes out the anemone pulls its tentacles in and awaits the rising water. They are well-camoflaged in this state. Sea anemones feel "sticky" due to the nematocysts.
These Anemones found the old limpet holes to be a great home. They were safe from the hundreds of trampling feet of the tourists. These anemones stick small rocks, shells, and pieces of seaweed on the outside of their bodies to protect themselves. They close up when the tide goes out and they are exposed to the air.
