Why are sea anemones sticky? Are carpet anemones dangerous?
Channel: ReefMan
Date: 2020-02-16

Ever wonder why the anemones in your reef tank stick to you when you touch them? Even the tiny little mini carpet anemones we keep have tiny structures called nematocysts in the cells that line their tentacles - and each one has a little dose of venom. Sea anemone venom is the topic of a lot of research around the world - from insecticides to treatments for autoimmune diseases it has shown a lot of promise due to it's wide mix of active compounds. Who would have guessed that we keep such interesting animals in our reef aquariums? 

The phylum Cnidaria get's it's name from the Cnida - an organelle inside the cell that actually contains the nematocyst inside it. To fire, the Cnida releases a high concentration of Calcium into the cell - causing an inrush of water due to the concentration difference inside and outside of the cell. In rushing water and the resulting pressure pushes out the nematocyst - out and into the anemone's food or your finger. Millions of these little harpoons firing into your skin is what causes the anemone to feel sticky to the touch. 

Of course, clownfish and their slime coat are able to evade the firing of these harpoons - which is how they're able to live safely within the tentacles of their anemone without damage to themselves or to their host anemone. 

Don't forget to like and subscribe if you enjoyed this video!

I upload at least one video each week, so check out my channel for more! 
https://www.youtube.com/c/ReefMan?sub_confirmation=1