Swimming anemone

[bassman]

Wow, this is very cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orFXn_pJONU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm98n3908QM&feature=related

[Pier Pressure]

Hmmm - maybe that anemone is related to the harlequin shrimp and wants to eat the starfish?

No idea why it would let go like that just from touching it with a starfish - when I sold my sebae the dude had to take the rock the anem was on home with him and bring it back once the anem moved.

Cool video. Thanks!

[bassman]

I am thinking perhaps the anemone would make a tasty treat for the starfish. It didn't seem very happy to sit beside it. LOL

[Pier Pressure]

I had not thought of it that way. I have seen my anemones move around my tank and they do not "dance" like that one does. I wonder if it was somehow stung by the starfish and was dying? Just wondering as I have never seen one move like that!

[Delphinus]

I have seen that before (not that particular video, but videos of that species of anemone, Stomphia coccinea). It's a coldwater species (ie., this is one specific species who has evolved to use this behaviour). It's "swimming" is a flight response to a threat from a predator. You have to admit, it's pretty effective. :)

Not sure of its range, it might be all the way up into BC. I think its range is for sure as far north as the Puget Sound though, so could well be up into BC waters.

PS. Forgot to mention. Cool video !!! Thanks for sharing the link. :)