Condylactis · Cnidarians (Jellyfish, Anemones & Corals)

Golden Anemone

Condylactis aurantiaca

0-40m

Depth Range

Variable

Max Size

Mediterranean

Distribution

Cnidarian

Identification & Biology

IdentificationA large, solitary anemone with a stout column and thick, tapering tentacles that can number up to 100. The tentacles are typically golden-orange, reddish, or yellow-brown with lighter tips. The column is brown to grey, often partly buried in sediment or wedged in rock.
SizeColumn diameter up to 15 cm. Tentacle span up to 30 cm. One of the larger anemones in the Mediterranean.
Social HabitSolitary. Found in crevices, at the base of rocks, and on rubble. The tentacles are extended day and night.
HabitatRocky reefs, cave entrances, and mixed substrates. Often found at the base of walls or in rocky crevices.
Depth1 to 30 m. Common in shallow to moderate depths.
Feeds OnSmall fish, shrimps, and other invertebrates captured by the stinging tentacles. A sit-and-wait predator.
DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic. Present in Maltese waters.
DescriptionCondylactis aurantiaca is one of the most attractive anemones in the Mediterranean, with its golden-orange tentacles creating a striking display. It is the Mediterranean equivalent of the tropical bubble-tip anemone, though it does not host clownfish. The sting can be felt by humans but is not dangerous. Often found tucked into crevices with tentacles waving in the current.

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.

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

An active predator that uses long, nematocyst-laden tentacles to capture passing shrimp, small fish and zooplankton. Tentacles sway in the current to intercept drifting prey.

Ambush predator

Reproduction

Reproduces sexually, releasing eggs and sperm into the water for external fertilisation. Planula larvae are planktonic before settling on hard substrate.

Broadcast spawner

Behaviour & Defence

Possesses potent nematocysts that deliver a noticeable sting, deterring most fish predators. Can retract tentacles and contract the column into crevices when mechanically disturbed.

Stinging cells

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Condylactis aurantiaca. 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.

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5-50m

Gozo

Blue Hole

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

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18-36m

South Malta

Um El Faroud

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

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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