Swimming Anemone

Boloceroides is the sole genus within the Boloceroididae family, representing a monotypic classification, with the only species being Boloceroides mcmurrichi, commonly termed the Swimming Anemone. This species enjoys a cosmopolitan distribution across both the tropical and temperate seas.

The Swimming Anemone, when fully extended, spans a diameter of approximately 5 to 8 cm, characterized by its tentacles which measure 3 to 4 cm in length. The tentacles are notably voluminous at their bases but taper off towards slender extremities. Boloceroides mcmurrichi possesses a significantly high number of tentacles, often exceeding 400, that effectively conceal its diminutive oral disc as well as the oral cone bearing the mouth. Instances have been observed where a white band spans the oral disc, bisecting the mouth region. Occasionally, anemones exhibit two tentacles near the oral cavity that are conspicuously lighter in color. The species' tentacular color spectrum primarily includes shades of brown with darker brown or yellow banding. Variations are observed, with some individuals displaying spotted tentacles, hues of red, or distinct white longitudinal stripes. The anemone's body column is rather short and semi-transparent, terminating in a pedal disc that exhibits a relatively weak adhesive capacity. The scientific nomenclature for this species is enunciated as "bol-lo-ser-oy-dees mak-mur-rich-eye."

Boloceroides mcmurrichi demonstrates locomotive capabilities through slow swimming, achieved by synchronous undulating motions of its numerous tentacles. Commonly, during ebb tide, these anemones are lightly attached to marine algae or simply rest on the substrate. Active swimming behavior is a rarity and is pondered to potentially increase during flood tides. It is crucial to note that physical interaction, such as lifting the anemone to incite swimming behavior, can result in dislodgment of tentacles, potentially causing harm to the organism.

An intriguing survival tactic of Boloceroides mcmurrichi is the deliberate release of tentacles when faced with predation, serving as a distraction by their wriggling motion. Remarkably, these severed tentacles harbor the capacity for regeneration, potentially growing into new Swimming undefined over time. It is imperative to emphasize that this regenerative ability is not a universal characteristic among anemones, thus, any attempt to bisect an anemone with the expectation of reproduction is ill-advised and detrimental.

Boloceroides mcmurrichi forms symbiotic relationships with unicellular algae known as zooxanthellae. These algae engage in photosynthesis, converting sunlight into nourishment, which is shared with the anemone; the anemone, in turn, offers the algae lodging and essential minerals.

There is potential for misidentification of juvenile Boloceroides mcmurrichi with Sea Grass undefined, which possess translucent, spotty tentacles. Both the oral disc and tentacle musculature of B. mcmurrichi are instrumental in the acquisition, retention, and ingestion of prey. In extraordinary circumstances necessitating evasion from predators, the tentacles are capable of autotomy. The overall form of the anemone can be modulated through the contraction of endodermal muscles, while longitudinal retractor muscles assist in the recession of tentacles and the oral disc when exposed to air. Boloceroides mcmurrichi distinguishes itself by a less firm attachment to its substrate, which facilitates prompt pedal disc detachment, thereby enabling an expeditious swimming escape response. The reproductive biology affords both sexual and asexual propagation. As Anthozoans, the species bypasses the medusa stage of the life cycle, producing planula larvae that exhibit bilateral symmetry, flat structure, and motility due to cilia.