Depth
Aiptasia · Cnidarians (Jellyfish, Anemones & Corals)

Trumpet Anemone

Aiptasia mutabilis

0-120m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-120m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Cnidaria
Genus Aiptasia
Species mutabilis

Cnidarian

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA small, slender anemone with a smooth, translucent brown to grey column and a ring of long, graceful tentacles. The column is narrow and trumpet-shaped. Often found in groups on rocks and in crevices.
  • SizeColumn height up to 12 cm. Tentacle span up to 5 cm.
  • Social HabitCan be solitary or in groups. Can rapidly retract into crevices when disturbed. Reproduces both sexually and by splitting (pedal laceration).
  • HabitatRocky reefs, crevices, and sheltered surfaces. Often found in dimly lit positions.
  • Depth0 to 30 m. Common in the shallows on suitable rocky habitat.
  • Feeds OnSmall plankton and organic particles captured by the tentacles.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic and throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Common in Maltese waters.
  • DescriptionAiptasia mutabilis is a common but easily overlooked anemone found in crevices and on shaded rock surfaces throughout Malta. It can reproduce rapidly by pedal laceration, where small pieces of the base break off and grow into new individuals. This allows it to colonise new areas quickly. While not the most spectacular anemone on the reef, it is one of the most abundant.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 120m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

Loading…

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 0-120m. 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.

Trumpet Anemone species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

A small, solitary anemone that captures microplankton and detritus with a ring of short tentacles. Often found in dense aggregations on rocky substrates, maximising interception of passing food particles.

Suspension feeder

Reproduction

Reproduces asexually by basal laceration, leaving small tissue fragments behind as it moves that grow into new individuals. Sexual reproduction produces planktonic larvae.

Basal laceration

Behaviour & Defence

Retracts rapidly into rock crevices when disturbed, pulling its tentacle disc below the surface. The small size and cryptic habit make it inconspicuous to most predators.

Rapid retraction

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Aiptasia mutabilis. 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