Giant Green Anemone Opens Wide in Tidal Pool
Saturday, July 18th, 2026 at 3:03:40 PM · 2026/Schoolhouse Beach Tide Pools
This overhead macro photograph captures a large sea anemone viewed from directly above, revealing its remarkable radial symmetry with dozens of elongated, paddle-shaped tentacles arranged in concentric rings around a central oral disc. The anemone displays muted blue-green and sage tones, likely a giant green anemone (Anthopleura xanthogrammica) that has partially retracted or is in a low-tide exposure state. Scattered throughout the oral disc and surrounding area are tiny colorful pebbles, shell fragments, and what appears to be a small mussel shell near the central mouth — possibly a recent meal or debris. The image was captured at Schoolhouse Beach tide pools, likely during a low-tide window, using a long telephoto lens to isolate the subject from a distance without disturbing it. The muted, hazy quality of the image suggests shallow water or a thin film of water over the anemone, softening the overall tonal contrast.
Chronologically Adjacent
