I now carry this with me. I want you to carry it too – the knowledge of this Giant Pacific Octopus. I want you to feel at least some of what I felt. So here is a series of photos for you, with the backstory.
I had my head down, slowly moving along in awe of a little species of sea cucumber that was spawning. I looked up from my focus on the small, and there, looking in my direction, was this Giant Pacific Octopus.
I backed off. The octopus backed up, into the filamentous brown algae. And then, for some 5 minutes, we looked at one another. The octopus veiled in the algae. Me, wrapped in wonder.
One of us a brief, and light-flashing visitor. The other, royalty among the invertebrates.
Octopus evolution goes back some 330 million years (before dinosaurs). That’s 1,000+ times longer than we two-legged weirdos have been on Earth (homo sapiens).
May the photos communicate some of the emotion and connect you all the more deeply to your care for this coast and our extraordinary neighbours – in how/what we buy, in our energy use, and . . . in how we vote.
Photos: April 22nd while at God’s Pocket Resort in the Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaฬฑkaฬฑโwakw (the Kwakฬwala-speaking Peoples). ยฉJackie Hildering, The Marine Detective.
Egg Yolk Jelly welcome party for my Easter group at God’s Pocket Resort.
The photos below are of the wonderful, kindred divers who joined me on this trip and the outstanding crew at God’s Pocket.
An anemone species that parasitizes the jellyfish that eat them?! Then they move out, drop off and live on the ocean bottom?! And they can also move Spiderman-like from one jelly host to another?!
Yes! And in all these years this is the first time I THINK I MAY have photographed a Jelly-dwelling Anemone. They are also known as the Twelve-tentacled Parasitic Anemones and are only up to 2 cm across (Peachia quinquecapitata).
Jelly-dwelling Anemone at the stage of its lifecycle where it is NOT parasitic. That happens earlier in their lifecycle, beginning with them being planktonic larvae that get ingested by jellies ยฉJackie Hildering.
Oh Nature you are so wildly varied and fabulous! Somehow seeing this remarkable little animal with a wicked lifecycle makes me feel better fortified to cope with the human-inflicted wickedness in the world. I hope it does the same for you. ๐
About Jelly-dwelling Anemones from Hanby and Lamb, Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest:
“After the larva of this anemone is ingested by a jelly, the tables are turned as it begins to feed on the hostโs internal organs. Eventually, it transforms into an almost transparent anemone that hangs inside the jelly . . . Ultimately the anemone drops off and assumes a bottom-dwelling existence in a mud/sand habitat . . . “
A Jelly-dwelling Anemone at the stage of its lifecycle where it has fed on the jelly’s internal organs, including the gonads, and could move from one jelly to another. Read on! Photo ยฉKarolle Wall, karollewall.comKarolle Wall, karollewall.com
Research by Spaulding published in 1972, reports that in laboratory tests, the larval anemones of this species were endoparasitic for an average of 11 days – feeding on what was in the intestines of the jelly. Then they became ectoparasitic, feeding on the gonads (sex organs) of their host. After an average of 31 days of being ectoparasites they then “had acquired their adult characteristics and dropped off the host medusa to become free-living“.
Jelly-dwelling Anemone on its way between jellyfish host and ocean bottom? KJ Reed @Leftcoaster via iNaturalist.ca and conditions of the Creative Commons License.
Not that I would never say this species, or any other, is a monster ๐น. There is nothing for humans to beware when it comes to Jelly-dwelling Anemones. Unless maybe you are living your life on a trajectory where you may get reincarnated as a jellyfish that will have its gonads eaten by this anemone species. If it is possible to sign some humans up for that fate, I currently have a list. You may have the same list.
Beware of cute little monsters: The jelly-dwelling anemone has a spooky secret . . . by Dany Burgess
Step aside, Alien. [the northeast Pacific Ocean] has its very own version of this famous parasitic predator, but without the terrifying claws or fangs. Like an eerily adorable child in a horror movie, an innocent-looking exterior hides the sinister intent of this squishy little monster.
Skeletons in the closet Peachiaquinquecapitata sounds like an unassuming name โ even charming! But these innocuous anemones have a sordid past, and the road to adulthood is paved with the bodies of those who stood in their way.
Shortly after hatching into the water column, larval Peachia, called planula, are eaten by jellyfish. You’d think this would be the end of the line, but itโs exactly what the baby anemones were hoping for. Instead of getting digested, the planula get comfortable in their hostsโ gastrovascular cavities and help themselves to food particles. Hey, who doesnโt like a safe place to hide, free transportation and a free meal?
Body snatchers Unfortunately for the hosts, that free meal is just an appetizer. After a few days, the freeloading anemones begin to hunger for the main course โ wait for it โ the jellyfishโs internal organs. Duhn-duhn-duuuuuuuh! These pint-size parasites start with the reproductive tissue (a single baby Peachia can consume an entire jelly gonad in two days), then move on to other organs for dessert. Yum!
Weird science This fascinating research on the Peachia life cycle was conducted at Puget Soundโs own Friday Harbor Laboratories, where scientists determined that up to 62% of one host jelly population (Clytia gregaria) was infected with these little leeches each spring. Although the planula may be able to live freely without hosts, when scientists replicated this process in laboratory culture, only the ones that were eaten by jellies survived. An amazing host-swapping behavior was also observed: the anemones were able to fire their stinging cells into new host jellies and make very slow, sticky Spiderman-esque leaps from one bell to the next.
Beg, steal or burrow After about a month of eating the unlucky jellies from their insides out, the anemones have had their fill. Remember the scene in Alien where the thing bursts out of the guyโs chest? Well, picture something like that, only way less disgusting. Like swollen ticks, the now fat and happy anemones drop off and go on their merry way, settling down on the sea floor and burrowing the long columns of their bodies into the mud.
Not much is known about the fate of the host jellies, but I am guessing that having your organs munched is probably harmful to your health.
Beg, steal or burrow After about a month of eating the unlucky jellies from their insides out, the anemones have had their fill. Remember the scene in Alien where the thing bursts out of the guyโs chest? Well, picture something like that, only way less disgusting. Like swollen ticks, the now fat and happy anemones drop off and go on their merry way, settling down on the sea floor and burrowing the long columns of their bodies into the mud.
Not much is known about the fate of the host jellies, but I am guessing that having your organs munched is probably harmful to your health.
Homebodies After spending their childhoods wreaking youthful havoc on other living creatures, Peachia adults assume new peaceful identities as model citizens. Occurring in the shallow subtidal zone of the Pacific Northwest, they spend their time with their 12 tentacles splayed out on the surface, passively waiting for food to drift by. A closer look reveals that their striped pattern is made up of delicate chevrons โ very on-trend with the interior decorating crowd.
Living hand to mouth The taxonomy crowd might appreciate Peachia for a different stand-out feature, called the conchula: a projection near the mouth that functions in feeding, and is unique to this genus. In Peachia quinquecapitata, the conchula is divided into five distinct finger-like lobes, almost like a miniature hand. And I have to hand it to these mini moochersโฆthey definitely get away with biting the hand that feeds them!”
My photos included in this blog are from April 6, 2025 near Port Hardy in the Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaฬฑkaฬฑโwakw (the Kwakฬwala-speaking Peoples).
Dear Community, This is a follow-up to my January blog (included below) in which I shared the news about the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which ” . . . recognizes Canadians who exemplify service to others, protection of the environment, youth empowerment, and diversity. Across Canada, 30,000 medals will be handed out to deserving individuals.”
The moment – thanks to MP Rachel Blaney.
I am very honoured and grateful to all who have been part of the journey. The celebration in which I received the medal happened on February 28, 2025 in Port McNeill. Below I include photos, video, and text from the speeches at the celebration. I have made this blog largely for those who were not there – family and beloved friends – some who go back decades and some who are an ocean away. But maybe, it’s of interest to you too.
As someone who cares enough to read these blogs, you’ve been part of the journey.
As I shared at the celebration: “I donโt think thereโs been a time in my life, where this recognition could have meant more to me. You are my people. You feel it. Itโs a โcomplicated worldโ. There are forces riled against facts, science, equality, other beings on the planet, and a healthy future.
This honour puts wind in my sails. You being here lifts me up. And how I hope it does the same for you to reflect upon the good you put into the world. To stand for truth and critical thinking. To know what matters. To love. And to know why there are those who do not want us to have this knowledge, these values, this drive, and the joy that comes from it all.”
Full video of the ceremony is near the end of this blog.
Because I know you will want to know right away. Who made the stunning jewelry? It was essential to me to have symbolism / recognition for the area in which I have learned. This art is from ลlilawikw / Sea Wisdom Design. Photo by her sister, who is our MERS Board Member, Emily Wisden-Seaweed. After the placing of the heavy medal. Thank you dear James / Mayor Furney. Friends, dive buddies, neighbours. ๐So much meaning was given to the celebration thanks to Ernest Alfred – K’wak’wabala. The Marine Education & Research Society extended family with MP Rachel Blaney. Team MERS made me a crown to match my medal. ๐
Words from Rachel Blaney (Member of Parliament for North IslandโPowell River) included:
“Jackie is based out of Port McNeill, living and learning in the Territories of the Kwakwala-speaking Peoples. She has served as an exemplary and inspiring ambassador for the importance the ocean and undertaking action for the good of future generations.
She returned to British Columbia after teaching in the Netherlands, wanting to find a more effective way to enable people to know their connection to the ocean.
Her greatest aim is to educate about the importance of the life hidden in the plankton-rich waters off our coast – that it is in the cold ocean that there is greater biodiversity and productivity than in the warm ocean.
She does this as โThe Marine Detectiveโ – educator, cold-water diver, underwater photographer โ and as a cofounder of the Marine Education and Research Society, known as MERS.
She is a Humpback Whale Researcher with MERS and their Education and Communications Director. She and the team embody the dedication of applying what they learn as scientists, to education to speak for the importance of the ocean and how to reduce threats to marine life.
Jackie’s work has been prominently highlighted in various publications and documentaries produced by reputable outlets such as the BBC and PBS.“
My words from the celebration:
“Iโm overwhelmed. And really grateful.
Grateful for this opportunity live here, have you as neighbours, colleagues, friends, dive buddies, and to have the opportunity and privilege to learn where the Kwakawala-speaking People have lived for millennia.
I am really grateful Rachel [MP Rachel Blaney] that you came here for this. Knowing the value it would have to shine a light on northern Vancouver Island, Port McNeill, and the people who have been part of this journey, especially those in the Marine Education & Research Society.
Thank you James [Mayor James Furney] and others who knew the value too and my dilemma about where, and what this celebration should be. Thank you Rob [Rob Hilts] for being behind the cameras so I can share this with my parents (who definitely had something to do with me being me) and loves ones far away AND that I can stare right into the camera and say, from depths of my heart, thank you Whitney Melan for nominating me.
I donโt think thereโs been a time in my life, where this recognition could have meant more to me. You are my people. You feel it. Itโs a โcomplicated worldโ. There are forces riled against facts, science, equality, other beings on the planet, and a healthy future.
This honour puts wind in my sails. You being here lifts me up. And how I hope it does the same for you to reflect upon the good you put into the world. To stand for truth and critical thinking. To know what matters. To love. And to know why there are those who do not want us to have this knowledge, these values, this drive, and the joy that comes from it all.
I deliberated saying that I could never have imagined that life would take me here. But, while thatโs definitely true that I could never have envisioned this particular heavy medal event, the eight-year-old in me is resistant and believes that some of this was pretty damn predictable. Even the part about being a 61-year-old who goes underwater, with a camera, wearing a tutu.
The eight-year-old in me – sheโs strong. She knows things. She has always known it was about Nature, never felt separate from it, and doesnโt understand there are people who do very separate. Sheโs always wanted to learn, especially about animals, and then run to others, especially children, and say (probably very loudly) . . . LOOK! LISTEN! CARE!
Thank you for listening.
Thank you for caring. Thank you for being part of my life, my community, and maybe even my purpose. Thank you.”
Video and many of the photos are due to the kindness and skill of Rob Hilts of Either Way Productions. Such great thanks to those who were part of the celebration: MP Rachel Blaney and Jorgina Little, Mayor James Furney, Ernest Alfred – K’wak’wabala (meant so much to me Ernest), my dive buddies, my colleagues from the Marine Education and Research Society, Helena Symonds and Dr. Paul Spong for their words read by Ernest, and many other beloved friends and neighbours. ๐
Please note I will be adding more photos to this blog in the next few days, when I have a bit more breathing space ๐. I just wanted to get this into the world sooner rather than later for friends and family.
Royal Recognition – Part 1 Posted on January 25th.
Er . . . I won a medal.
I am deeply grateful for this recognition that shines light on, and amplifies, the values that connect many of us here. This at a time when there are many challenges to equality, truth, critical thinking, human dignity, and the health of the planet and future generations.
It also shines light on our Marine Education & Research Society and on the place where I have learned – northern Vancouver Island, Territory of the Kwakฬwala-speaking Peoples.
This medal also requires acknowledgement and reflection on the history of the monarchy, colonization, and the need to work for the values this award represents.
Many of you have been part of what has led to this recognition – opening doors, joining along the way, encouraging, and supporting. Thank you.
I have learned that Whitney Melan is the one who took the time and effort with the nomination, which means the world to me. It also means so much that the medal will be awarded by MP Rachel Blaney.
I am very late to this party. Back in 2020, a nudibranch was named in honour of Dr. Sylvia Earle when there was reclassification of the Yellow-margin Dorid and the research was published by Korshunova et al.
There is now Sylvia Earle’s Cadlina (Cadlina sylviaearleae).
Despite my great admiration for Dr. Earle and for sea slugs, I did not realize these two had come together until I recently posted one of the photos you see below. Karolle Wall very kindly let me know that this was no longer a Yellow-margin Dorid (Cadlina luteomarginata).
What follows is focused on the reclassification and how difficult it is to discern these species from external characteristics. If you have an electron microscope, it will be easier. ๐ You would be able to see the differences in the radula (tooth-like structures).
What was historically Cadlina luteomarginata is now at least four described “yellow-margin dorid” species. Sylvia Earle’s Cadalina is described as a sister species to Cadlina luteomarginata. What Karolle pointed out as a helpful discerning characteristic is the space between those distinctive tubercles on the nudibranch’s side.
From Korshunova et al., 2020 “Until recently, C. luteomarginata has been considered a single species with a whitish notum and yellow marginal line with a broad range in the north-eastern Pacific from Alaska to California (e.g. MacFarland, 1966; Behrens, 1991; Behrens & Hermosillo, 2005). Present integrative morphological and molecular analysis reveals that there is considerable hidden diversity among Cadlina from the north-eastern Pacific.”
Sylvia Earle’s Cadalina (Cadlina sylviaearleae) “Opaque whitish, with some small dorsal tubercles tipped with yellow. Rhinophores with slight yellow tint. Gills are semitransparent white, similar to ground colour . . . differs both molecularly and in a number of morphological features from all other described Cadlina species.” (Korshunova et al., 2020).
Size to at least 2,5 cm. “Known from British Columbia to Oregon”. (Behrens et al., 2022)
Differences with the Yellow-margin Dorid (Cadlina luteomarginata) as originally described by MacFarland (1905, 1966) “Considerably less tuberculated notum [upper surface of the body], more weakly developed yellow line around notum and by patterns of the radula”. (Korshunova et al., 2020).
Size up to 8.3 cm. “Species confirmed from British Columbia to Mendocino, California, possibly to Punta Eugenia, Baja California” (Behrens et al., 2022).
More from Nudibranchs and Sea Slugs of the Eastern Pacific, 2022: โRecent molecular analysis work has revealed a number of cryptic species with the genus Cadlina. At least four species have been previously lumped under the name Cadlina luteomarginata and it is unclear at present whether these species can be reliably identified by their external characteristics . . . All are sponge predators.โ
Personal note: Reading about these species and writing this blog took me over 3 hours. Why do this? Time evaporates and I get lost for a while in science and the sea. I suppose that’s enough reason. A great bonus would be if this is of use to others too.
I am deeply grateful for this recognition that shines light on, and amplifies, the values that connect many of us here. This at a time when there are many challenges to equality, truth, critical thinking, human dignity, and the health of the planet and future generations.
It also shines light on our Marine Education & Research Society and on the place where I have learned – northern Vancouver Island, Territory of the Kwakฬwala-speaking Peoples.
This medal also requires acknowledgement and reflection on the history of the monarchy, colonization, and the need to work for the values this award represents.
Many of you have been part of what has led to this recognition – opening doors, joining along the way, encouraging, and supporting. Thank you.
I have learned that Whitney Melan is the one who took the time and effort with the nomination, which means the world to me. It also means so much that the medal will be awarded by MP Rachel Blaney. I do not yet know when or where.
Onward.
“The King Charles III Coronation Medal Program recognizes Canadians who exemplify service to others, protection of the environment, youth empowerment, and diversity. Across Canada, 30,000 medals will be handed out to deserving individuals.”
Who goes there?! Or should that be – who DIGS there?!
This is the pit resulting from a Sea Otter digging after a Pacific Geoduck – a very large, very long-lived clam species.
Dive buddy Natasha Dickinson posing beside the pit to give you a better indication of its size. Photo: January 1st, 2025, ยฉJackie Hildering.
If you see a Sea Otter going up and down in the same location without coming up with prey the first time (and breaking it open on their belly), this is likely what is happening.
Sea Otter with a Pacific Geoduck. Photo: March 27, 2021, ยฉJackie Hildering.
Geoducks have very long siphons (neck or shaft) and can be buried 1 metre below the surface. So it’s quite the endeavour when Sea Otters excavate Geoducks. My photo of the deep pit should aid in understanding why this is the case!
Pacific Geoduck (Panopea generosa) – World’s largest burrowing clam. Can live to ~160 years. Source: Goode G. B. (1880). The Fisheries and Fisheries Industries of the United States via Wikimedia Commons. Pacific Geoduck ยฉFisheries and Oceans Canada
Sea Otters are reported to be able to dive up to 5 minutes (more often ~1 minute) but that’s unlikely when exerting themselves when digging like this.
Did the Sea Otter get this Geoduck? We don’t know for sure but there was an empty shell of a Geoduck near the pit.
Note that we did not dive in the presence of Sea Otters. Diving or swimming with marine mammals is illegal in Canada.
Geoduck shell near Sea Otter feeding pit. Photo: April 20, 2019, ยฉJackie Hildering. Another Sea Otter feeding pit and dive buddy Natasha Dickinson. Photo: January 9, 2021 ยฉJackie Hildering
Background on Sea Otters in British Columbia
Sea Otters were completely wiped out (extirpated) with the last verified Sea Otter in Canada having been shot in 1929 near Kyuquot (NW Vancouver Island).
There are now over 8,100 Sea Otters off the coast of BC (Nichol et al. 2020). How did that happen? Around 89 Sea Otters were translocated to the outer coast of Vancouver Island from 1969 to 1972 (as a mitigation measure for nuclear testing in Alaska).
The population grew (and spread out) from there. And yes, they eat a lot. Even with their incredibly dense fur (which made them so “desirable” in the fur trade), they need to fuel their furnace by eating up to 1/4 of their body mass daily to survive in the cold ocean.
More Sea Otters = more kelp forests (since they eat the urchins that eat the kelp) = more habitat, more oxygen, more food, and more carbon sequestration.
Sea Otters are recognized as a species of Special Concern in Canada.
Hello dear Community, I recently sat down with the wonderful team from Whale Tales to have a chat for their podcast. There was laughter and a few tears in reflecting on our Marine Education and Research Society work for the whales, and what I strive for with The Marine Detective.
To have a listen, see the links below. Let me know if this was of interest, and maybe even uplifting for you? ๐ This helps give me direction about future efforts, and where to use my voice.
Let me start by saying . . . no one looks good when they are this dead.
Also, Halloween is nigh so that may have sparked some “spooky” speculations.
These photos of a dried up little fish created a lot of interest on the Field Naturalists of Vancouver Island Facebook page recently. Kendra Lukow found the fish at Race Rocks.
I think what led to confusion, misinterpretation, and maybe a few nightmares is that people may not realize that bony fish species have teeth in their throats. And, with this fish being so dried out, and thereby contorted, these teeth appear to be the main teeth in the “oral jaw”. But many of the teeth you see in these images are the “pharyngeal teeth”.
You may have noticed that fish do not have hands so how to hold onto your prey, chew it into smaller parts, and move it into your stomach? Evolution’s solution: the teeth you are more familiar with (in the oral jaw) hold onto the prey, while the secondary set of teeth in the throat (the pharyngeal jaw) chew and/or pull on the prey.
Even the fish species you are really familiar with, like salmon, have this second set of teeth. These teeth just look far more prominent in this dried up individual.
So which fish species did Kendra find? Even in having consulted some super fish experts, there is no certain ID. Some experts have put forward that the teeth and head shape look more like a large sculpin species e.g. Cabezon or Great Sculpin. Other experts reference that some photos show scales on the dry skin. Sculpins don’t have scales so that would make the ID of a greenling species more likely e.g. Lingcod or Rock Greenling.
Please note that motivation to make this blog is not to ID the very dry and dead fish. It’s to add to the awareness about this adaption in so many fish – the pharyngeal teeth. It’s to shift the “ew” to awe.
With great thanks to Andy Lamb, Dr. Milton Love and Gavin Hanke for their insights into the fish ID.
See below for a great TedEd animation explaining fish pharyngeal jaws.
This is another Ocean Voice blog = my thoughts about hope, connection, equality and positive action for future generations.
I have been dizzied by recent global events and needed to ground myself. You too? The following poem is the result. I shared it on social media where it seems to have resounded with many. May it be of use to readers here too.
In a world of turbulence know the calm.
But do not ignore the storm.
Do not hide in the bubblewrap of privilege.
Nor in the dank of denial or despair.
Ships sink blood spills oil seeps.
In deranged creeping, fevered vortexes.
Clouds of hatred seeded with fear.
The divine lives in the calm of good.
She shines with integrity, equality truth.
Fill with light blind the dark.
The strongest forces love. ๐
____________
Photo and words ยฉJackie Hildering, The Marine Detective. Learning in the Territory of the Kwakwaฬฑkaฬฑโwakw.
Oh the fabulously diverse ways that anemones reproduce! I recently documented another species where the larvae develop in the mother’s tentacles! I have even seen the babies move.
See them?!
Snakelock Anemone embryos. Another Snakelock Anemone with embryos.
For at least the three anemone species I show here, when the males release sperm into the water column, the females do NOT release their eggs into the water. Instead, fertilization is internal. The embryos are protected as they develop in their mother’s hollow tentacles for around 2 weeks (also in areas known as the pseudospherules). Then, out into the ocean they swim as plankton, via their mother’s mouth.
There are other local anemone species where fertilization is internal too. But the embryos don’t develop in the mother’s tentacles .e.g. Brooding Anemones and Proliferating Anemones. For these species the young are “brooded” in the mother’s digestive cavity and then crawl out of her mouth and are protected under her tentacles.
In many other anemone species, like Plumose Anemones and Painted Anemones, fertilization is external. Both males and females release their gametes into the ocean at around the same time (broadcast spawning). Fertilization happens in the water column and the larvae are plankton until they settle to the ocean bottom.
And then some anemones also have asexual reproductive strategies like budding off offspring; splitting into two; or pedal laceration where a torn piece of the bottom of the anemone can grow into another anemone!
I’ve said it before . . . and you thought human sex lives were interesting. ๐
Snakelock Anemone Cribrinopsis fernaldi Described as a distinct species in 1976. Crown up to 20 cm wide.
There has been considerable reclassification of local anemone species. For this species, the development of the young in the tentacles was described in research from 1976.
“Male Cribrinopsis fernaldi (Fig. 1) in San Juan Islands, Washington release sperm in springtime. The sperm swim or are drawn into the mouths of the females and fertilise the eggs, some of which are still in the gonads, while others are floating freely in the gastrovascular cavity, in the hollow tentacles, and in swellings around the upper outer surface of the body column. Development proceeds within the gastrovascular cavity through gastrulation (3 days) to swimming planula larva (10 days), and then to release of the swimming larvae via the mouth (15 days).” “Some embryos were removed from the tentacles of the adult on day 1 (early cleavage), and day 7, day 13 (planula), and day 34. These continued their development and metamorphosed and settled at the same time as the larvae which remained in the adult until natural release. It is concluded that the brooding behavior is protective rather than nutritive in function.โ
Crimson Anemone Cribrinopsis rubens Described as a distinct species in 2019. Crown up to 10 cm wide.
Before I ever managed to find a member of this species with young developing in the tentacles, I often witnessed the spawning of the males. I realized that it was always only males I saw spawning (I never saw eggs being released).
As referenced above, this species was only described as a new species in 2019 having previously been confused with the Snakelock Anemone. Considering how closely the two species are related, it was expected that they would have similar reproductive strategies.
Crimson Anemone female with embryos.
Below, photos of male Crimson Anemones spawning.
Spotted Pink Anemone Aulactinia vancouverensis Described as a distinct species in 2013. Crown up to 8 cm wide, and as you can see here, not always pink.
Spotted Pink Anemone female with embryos. Male Spotted Pink Anemone spawning.
so how to hold onto your prey, chew it into smaller parts, and move it into your stomach? Evolution’s solution: the teeth you are more familiar with (in the oral jaw) hold onto the prey, while the secondary set of teeth in the throat (the pharyngeal jaw) chew and/or pull on the prey.
The Marine Detective 