Plumose Anemone and Chestnut

The image shows two unique creatures that I don’t typically see near each other. Giant plumose anemones are more common in the Monterey Bay, while chestnut cowries are more common in Carmel Bay. These anemones are distinguished by the fact that they are the tallest anemone in the world. They grow to over three feet tall. They reproduce through cloning and have special fighting tentacles to fight off other anemones that are not clones of itself. Basically, they engage in clone wars.

The chestnut cowrie is the only sea snail found on the California coast. You won’t find them north of Monterey Bay. Fungi emerging from their autumn slumber Photos by Brian Weselby