Depth
Alicia · Cnidarians (Jellyfish, Anemones & Corals)

Berried Anemone

Alicia mirabilis

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Cnidaria
Genus Alicia
Species mirabilis

Cnidarian

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA large, unusual anemone with a translucent column covered in rows of bead-like, berry-shaped vesicles. The tentacles are long and slender. Pale grey to brown body. The vesicles can deliver a powerful sting. Retracts into the substrate during the day.
  • SizeColumn height up to 30 cm when extended. Tentacle span up to 40 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and nocturnal. Completely retracts into the sediment during daylight, becoming invisible. Emerges at night, expanding its tentacles to feed.
  • HabitatSandy and muddy bottoms near rocky reefs. Buries its base in soft sediment.
  • Depth5 to 40 m. Most commonly encountered on night dives.
  • Feeds OnSmall fish, shrimps, and other invertebrates captured by the stinging tentacles.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic. Present in Maltese waters.
  • DescriptionAlicia mirabilis is one of the most fascinating animals to encounter on a night dive in Malta. Completely invisible during the day, it emerges after dark as a tall, elegant column covered in luminous-looking vesicles. The sting is powerful and can cause a painful rash on human skin, so it should be observed at a respectful distance. One of the best examples of a nocturnal-only species in the Mediterranean.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Berried Anemone species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Captures small invertebrates and organic particles using short, densely packed tentacles tipped with nematocysts. Also absorbs dissolved nutrients from the surrounding water.

Suspension feeder

Reproduction

Reproduces asexually by longitudinal fission, splitting along its length to form clones. Sexual reproduction also occurs, with larvae settling nearby.

Longitudinal fission

Behaviour & Defence

The column is covered in adhesive verrucae (wart-like bumps) to which sand, shell fragments and gravel stick, providing camouflage. It retracts tentacles rapidly when threatened.

Camouflaged column

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Alicia mirabilis. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide