Depth
Parazoanthus · Cnidarians (Jellyfish, Anemones & Corals)

Yellow Cluster Anemone

Parazoanthus axinellae

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 Parazoanthus
Species axinellae

Cnidarian

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA colonial zoanthid that forms dense clusters of bright golden-yellow polyps on rock surfaces. Each polyp has a ring of short tentacles surrounding a central mouth. Colonies spread across rock, encrusting hard surfaces in vivid yellow patches.
  • SizeIndividual polyps up to 1 cm diameter. Colonies can cover areas of 50 cm or more.
  • Social HabitColonial. Forms dense, spreading mats on rock surfaces, overhangs, and cave walls. Polyps extend both day and night.
  • HabitatRocky walls, overhangs, caves, and any shaded hard surface with water flow.
  • Depth5 to 100 m. Common between 10 and 50 m.
  • Feeds OnPlankton and suspended organic particles captured by the polyps.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic. Common in Maltese waters.
  • DescriptionParazoanthus axinellae is one of the most colourful and recognisable animals on Mediterranean rocky walls. Its bright yellow colonies are impossible to miss and are a favourite subject for underwater photographers. It often grows alongside sponges, gorgonians, and other cnidarians, adding vivid colour to the reef community. Despite its anemone-like appearance, it is a zoanthid, belonging to a different order.

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.

Yellow Cluster Anemone species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Forms dense clusters of small, bright yellow polyps that collectively capture zooplankton and fine particles from the water. Each polyp operates independently but benefits from the group's flow disruption.

Suspension feeder

Reproduction

Spreads rapidly by asexual budding, producing new polyps from the colony base. Sexual reproduction also occurs, with larvae settling on nearby rocky substrates.

Budding

Behaviour & Defence

Dense colonial growth allows mutual protection. Individual polyps retract when disturbed, and nematocyst-armed tentacles deter small grazers from feeding on the colony.

Colonial

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Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Parazoanthus axinellae. 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