This sea anemone has a smooth column divided into a scapus and a narrow capitulum, with a well-marked parapet and fosse. Blue (rarely white or pink) rounded warts are present in the fosse. The tentacles are moderate in length, never banded. The colour is variable: most shades of red, brown, orange or green, usually plain all over but sometimes with blue or yellowish spots or streaks on the column, mostly with a blue line around the edge of the base. Size up to 50mm across the base. Reproduces by viviparity, producing fully formed young anemones. Genetic investigation suggests that some of the different colour morphs of Actinia equina may be distinct species. Found on any firm substrate, rocks, stones, breakwaters, etc. From high on the shore to the shallow sublittoral, about 20m depth, but typically a shore species.

Zooxanthellen/Light, Artemia, Krill, Mysis