Anthopleura xanthogrammica
Giant Green Sea Anemones are easily recognized by their size
and magnificent green color. This organism is our largest
anenome and can grow to a diameter of 10 inches. Anemones
use their long tentacles to catch passing prey. Anemones sting
and paralyze their victims. If you are brave enough to stick your
finger into this mass of green worms you might feel a tingling
sensation. Miniture harpons on the tentacles, called nematocysts,
are being discharged into your finger. Do not worry though, the
poison is usually harmless to humans. Green Sea Anemones are
capable of devouring a giant crab, and spitting out the shell in
only 15 minutes. In comparison, this would be the same as a full
grown human digesting a big chicken
in the same amount of time!
Habitat/Range: Anemones usually cling to the sides and under
surfaces of rocks. They can be found along the Pacific coast from
Alaska to Baja.