At Kwajalein, Macrodactyla doreensis is found in lagoon patches of Halimeda algae on sand. Some, but not all, specimens host small Amphiprion tricinctus, as well as the shrimp Ancylomenes holthuisi.
The occasional twisted tentacles give this species the common name of corkscrew anemone.
This species occasionally bleaches out to a light purple and yellow pattern when the water gets too warm. See the discussion of anemone bleaching under Heteractis magnifica.
Created 28 July 2018
Updated 27 April 2021