Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

New record of sea anemones (Actiniaria: Actiniidae) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Volume 65 Issue 2

S. Choudhury and C. Sivaperuman

10.6024/jmbai.2023.65.2.2305-20

Abstract

The intertidal zone is a challenging environment for organisms to live in because they are exposed to terrestrial and marine conditions, including changes in temperature, salinity, and wave action. The present study is comprised of a collection of sea anemones from the intertidal region of different localities along the Andaman Coast. Three species, namely, Paracondylactis sinensis (Carlgren, 1949), Anthopleura dixoniana (Haddon and Shackleton, 1893) and Anthopleura elegantissima (Brandt, 1835), are new records for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For each recorded species, the habit and preferred habitat, size range, colouration, distinguishing external features, and distribution are given. Of the recorded species, P. sinensis, a sand-burrowing sea anemone, was found at the upper edge of the intertidal zone. While the most prevalent sea anemones, A. dixoniana and A. elegantissima, were found on the lower limits. These two sea anemones were seen to aggregate into large groups and form dense clusters on rocks or other surfaces in the intertidal zone. This aggregation happens for several purposes, including reproduction, feeding, or defence against predators.

Keywords

Andaman Islands, actiniaria, actiniidae, intertidal habitat

Date : 17-11-2023