Common Name: Sand Anemone

Distribution: Common throughout the Solitary Islands Marine Park. In Australia recorded from Spencer Gulf in South Australia, around Tasmania and north to southern Queensland. Also recorded from New Zealand.

Ecological Notes: Inhabits sheltered and moderately exposed tidal pools on rocky shores. Depth range mid to low intertidal.

Additional Notes: Always underwater, it is recognisable by its habit of collecting bits of shell or coarse sand which adhere to the oral disc and tentacles. Feeds on small mussels dislodged from the rocks by wave action. Grows to around 80mm across. 

References: Atlas of Living Australia website at Oulactis muscosa. Accessed 18/07/2023

Bennett, Isobel, Australian Seashores, Angus and Robertson Publishers. 1987. Pp 175.