Cordell Bank
Photo: Matt Vieta/BAUE
Strawberry Anemone
Cordell Bank shines bright pink thanks to the many strawberry anemones clinging to the rock. Strawberry anemones are not true sea anemones, but rather are more closely related to corals. These small invertebrates sometimes reproduce by cloning themselves, and are often found in genetically-identical clusters that cover a square meter or more.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Corynactis californica
DIET: Small invertebrates and fish larvae
SIZE: Average 1 inch tall and in diameter
COLOR: Often pink, but can be purple, brown, or orange
FUN FACT: Though their name sounds delicious, we don’t recommend eating strawberry anemones. They use their tentacles to catch prey, and they pack a punch!