BIOTIC Species Information for Amphianthus dohrnii
Researched byAngus Jackson Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byDr Simon K. Davy
Taxonomy
Scientific nameAmphianthus dohrnii Common nameSea fan anemone
MCS CodeD745 Recent SynonymsNone

PhylumCnidaria Subphylum
SuperclassAnthozoa ClassHexacorallia
Subclass OrderActiniaria
SuborderNynantheae FamilyHormathiidae
GenusAmphianthus Speciesdohrnii
Subspecies   

Additional InformationNo text entered
Taxonomy References Stephenson, 1935, Howson & Picton, 1997, Campbell, 1994, Manuel, 1988,
General Biology
Growth formRadial
Globose
Feeding methodPassive suspension feeder
Predator
Mobility/MovementTemporary attachment
Environmental positionEpizoic
Typical food typesPlankton and suspended particles. HabitAttached
BioturbatorNot relevant FlexibilityHigh (>45 degrees)
FragilityFragile SizeVery small(<1cm)
HeightUp to 1 cm. Growth RateInsufficient information
Adult dispersal potentialInsufficient information DependencyCommensal with/on/in
SociabilitySolitary
Toxic/Poisonous?No
General Biology Additional InformationBody size measurement is across the disk. Exceptionally up to 25 mm along the long axis of the base.
Frequent asexual reproduction can cause quite high densities of individuals on a single host leading to gregariousness.
Biology References Stephenson, 1935, Campbell, 1994, Manuel, 1988, Anonymous, 1999(h),
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandRecorded from the west coast of Scotland but most frequently recorded "off Plymouth". Also recorded from the Lizard, Lundy and off the south-west and south coasts of Ireland.
Global distributionRecorded from the Atlantic coast of France and into the western Mediterranean
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth range10 - 1000 m
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional InformationThought to be common in the first half of this century but now thought to be considerably less so. Numbers in the Mediterranean also appear to be decreasing (Manuel, 1988).

Substratum preferencesOther species (see additional information)
Physiographic preferencesOpen coast
Biological zoneLower Infralittoral
Upper Circalittoral
Lower Circalittoral
Wave exposureVery Exposed
Exposed
Moderately Exposed
Sheltered
Tidal stream strength/Water flowModerately Strong (1-3 kn)
Weak (<1 kn)
SalinityFull (30-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional InformationSubstrata include the host species Eunicella verrucosa in England, Swiftia pallida in Scotland and other 'tubular' organisms such as Tubularia indivisa.
Distribution References Campbell, 1994, Manuel, 1988,
Reproduction/Life History
Reproductive typeFission
Developmental mechanismNot relevant
Reproductive SeasonInsufficient information Reproductive LocationAs adult
Reproductive frequencyInsufficient information Regeneration potential No
Life span21-100 years Age at reproductive maturityInsufficient information
Generation timeInsufficient information FecundityInsufficient information
Egg/propagule sizeNot relevant Fertilization typeNone (asexual)
Larvae/Juveniles
Larval/Juvenile dispersal potentialNot relevant Larval settlement periodNot relevant
Duration of larval stageNot relevant   
Reproduction Preferences Additional InformationDispersal is limited because asexual reproduction produces no planktonic larval phase. Asexual reproduction is via a form of fission called basal laceration where the anemone creeps along a rock leaving fragments of its base behind which develop into miniature new anemones. Sexual reproduction has not been recorded but may occur. Some form of dispersal must exist, as distribution of this species is widespread.
Reproduction References Stephenson, 1935,
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