About Anthopleura ballii (Cocks, 1851)
Anthopleura ballii has a broad base that can reach 5 cm (2 inches) across, and a trumpet-shaped column growing up to 10 cm (4 inches) high. The column surface has 48 longitudinal rows of small warts, each tipped with red, and these warts are non-adhesive. This non-adhesive feature distinguishes it from its close relative, the glaucous pimplet (Anthopleura thallia), which has gravel or debris sticking to its column. The oral disc of A. ballii is wide, and it has up to 96 tapering tentacles arranged in five whorls. The tentacles can only be retracted to a limited extent, and they are flecked with white. The species has variable colouration, typically in some shade of red or yellow, and its tentacles sometimes have an iridescent green sheen.
Anthopleura ballii is native to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the coasts of Western Europe. It inhabits rocky coasts, ranging from the intertidal zone down to depths of about 25 metres (82 ft). It most often grows in concealed locations, including crevices, burrow holes made by piddocks, and under boulders. It sometimes attaches to pebbles and shells, and may be semi-immersed in sand or mud.
