Local knowledge · thoughtfully edited
Rocky shore & tide pools
Anthopleura elegantissima
Open underwater, tucked away in the air. What looks like a shell-covered bump may be a living animal.
Observation depends on water level and conditions, not a guaranteed seasonal display. Low tide alone does not make a shore safe.
Look for a small, tentacle-crowned animal on rock, alone or in a cluster. When exposed to air it retracts; attached sand and shell fragments help conceal it and reduce drying. An open crown can reach about 3.5 inches across.
These anemones can divide to form groups of genetically identical animals. Microscopic partners living in their tissues contribute to their green color and supply energy through photosynthesis.
Look in rocky tide pools and crevices, not sandy beach alone. Check tides, surf, and access before setting out. Observe without touching, feeding, or stepping on animals; leave shells and rocks where they are.
Identification note: Other anemones may also be green. Color alone cannot confirm the species; compare size, form, and grouping.
External resources open on the source’s website.
Monterey Bay Aquarium · Aggregating anemone ↗