About Actinia mediterranea Schmidt, 1971
Actinia mediterranea Schmidt, 1971 is a solitary sea anemone that attaches to rocks using its cylindrical foot, which functions as a suction pad. When submerged underwater, it displays many short, retractable tentacles arranged in six concentric rows. Its soft body is smooth and bright red, with a fine blue border along the base of its foot. This distinct blue border is a key feature that distinguishes it from the closely related Actinia equina; size also helps, as Actinia mediterranea is slightly larger than its relative: it grows 5 to 7 cm, while Actinia equina reaches 3 to 5 cm. This species lives in the intertidal zone, where it attaches to rocks that are usually hidden from direct sunlight. It can be found in both exposed and sheltered areas. It is highly adapted to harsh conditions, and can tolerate changes in tides, temperature, and salinity, as well as periods of dryness. During low tide, it retracts its tentacles and takes the shape of a compact red blob similar to a small tomato.
