We are always learning new things about the animals we encounter, and although we've seen this large anemone previously, were not aware of its feeding behavior. Paracorynactis hoplites is known to be a specialized predator of echinoderms including large crown-of-thorns starfish. It positions itself near the base of rocks and extends its tentacles downward to detect passing urchins or seastars. This individual was around 6 inches (15cm) in diameter.
26 April 2019