Diadumene cincta
 

Common Name(s): Scientific Name:   Diadumene cincta Family: Usual Size:                                      mm

                          Photograph by Paul Parsons

Identification:       Similar species:  Metridium senile Breeding:   Basal laceration.      Habitat: Today we were lucky enough to dive on the Indiana (Orange wreck) 1 mile south from Worthing Pier. On one part of the scattered wreckage, a 3 m x 15 cm pole/pipe sticks up at about 30 degrees from the seabed. It is the only part of the wreck that I found groups of "Diadumene cinta". The pole is very exposed and the densest groups were found on the underside. They were amongst a turf of sponge, algae and hydroids. I measured one of the largest anemones tentacle span = 5mm diameter. Their appearance is a slightly translucent, fawn coloured column with orange lines running it's length. The tentacles and disc are just as my previous photo's show. The white circular band was present on all the anemones and the mouth is orange. Some of these anemones were fully contracted. Their shape is very flat and wide, almost disc like. The orange lines all run from the base (outside edge) to the centre. No "collar" visible on any anemones. I gently touched the tentacles to see their response. Each anemone slowly rolled-in the touched tentacles just as you would roll your fingers into your palm. I am unsure what a jerky movement may be but these anemones responded similar to the movement of a snakelocks which I also studied today. Water temp was 7° C  Does the temperature effect their movements? Viz. was 3-4 m in 7.5m depth. I hope these details can be of help. Any other details should I have recorded? Best wishes Paul Parsons Diadumene cincta is recorded at numerous locations especially in the English Channel on the Mermaid (MNCR) database. http://www.jncc.gov.uk/mermaid/ It is NOT a familiar species for rockpoolers.  Position: 50 49.00'N 00 11.99'W  Dredger wreck 5 - 10 metres depth. http://www.jncc.gov.uk/mermaid/scripts/mncrdb.dll/habitat?samplekey=18557 August/September 2003 and earlier years Occurs on the Brooklands outfall pipe, Lancing/Worthing border, West Sussex. Paul Parsons Food: Range:   Additional Notes:  News Item 2001         Information wanted: Please send any records of this sea anemone, with location, date, who discovered it, how it was identified, prevalence, common name and any other details to:  Shorewatch Project EMail Glaucus@hotmail.com.  All messages will receive a reply.    Shorewatch Project Cnidaria Web Site (World)