Skip to main content

Story: Corals, anemones and jellyfish

Wandering anemone

Image
Wandering anemone

Most sea anemones spend their life attached to a surface, although many can detach themselves if conditions become unfavourable. New Zealand’s largest sea anemone, the wandering anemone (Phlyctenactis tuberculosa), is an exception. It has opted for a more mobile existence drifting among dense seaweed. Its bladder-like extensions keep it buoyant. This one, attached to a brown seaweed, is in its contracted state. Māori call this animal hūmenga.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10050611

by Jamie Quirk

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

Dennis Gordon, Corals, anemones and jellyfish – True corals and sea anemones, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/4732/wandering-anemone (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Dennis Gordon, published 2 March 2009, updated 26 September 2016.