One of our favorite algae patches is home to three color forms of Stichodactyla haddoni anemones. They vary in size from year to year, and this red one has been known to reach 18" in diameter. This species is host to a large but transient population of juvenile clown fish and damselfish, not to mention a host of shrimp and crabs at times. The little fish are sometimes much more numerous than shown here and are easy prey for hungry predators, but an empty anemone will attract new clown fish in no time. We have been visiting this red anemone for many years.
Posted 9 April 2011