About Paranthus rapiformis (Le Sueur, 1817)
Paranthus rapiformis is a small white sea anemone that burrows into sediment. It typically lives in subtidal areas, but may be exposed when water reaches extreme low tide. The base of its column is expanded to anchor it in place, and it is usually attached to a submerged stone or shell. When covered by water, its short tentacles spread out across the surface of the sand. If disturbed, the tentacles retract and the column inflates into a globular shape. This inflated anemone is translucent with longitudinal white stripes, and looks like a small onion.
