Snake-locks Anemone [Anemonia viridis]

Snake-locks Anemone [Anemonia viridis]

this fine little Anemone was photographed in its natural rock pool habitat with a waterproof lens and tripod on the west Cornwall coast near lands end.

This green here has an unusual biology, the green pigment coming from algae zoochlorellae. This is a mutual symbiotic relationship i.e. both the anemone and the algae benefiting. The algae produces as a by product of photosynthesis, sugars and oxygen, which the sea anemone digests. The sea anemone’s waste product carbon dioxide the algae utilises for photosynthesis. Additionally the snake-lock seeks areas of good light, where the algae can efficiently photosynthesis within the protection of the stinging anemone.