Need help with an ID

[AZTinman]

Over the past weekend, we did a couple of dives at a cruise ship pier that's being built in the Northern Gulf of California and found this. We've never seen one of these and need some help identifying it. The base is 5 - 6.5 inches wide. It's some kind of anemone. Does anyone know what it is?

-AZTinman

 

[Chavodel8en]

No ID help, just reporting that I commonly see something very similar in Monterey/Carmel.

Identical size, shape, texture, but they are black in color, with the white "button".

I always wondered what they were, so hopefully I will find out here.

 

[Sushi Boy]

I'm no expert, but I'd guess it's an anemone that's folded into itself to rest (or digest food maybe?). Noticed similar behavior in the Philippines on a recent trip.

 

[RyanT]

I'm no expert, but I'd guess it's an anemone that's folded into itself to rest (or digest food maybe?).

+1. I'm nearly certain that's what it is.

 

[AZTinman]

Yeah, I'm sure it's an anemone, but I'm interested in identifying the species. We haven't seen any of these previously at dive locations in the Northern Gulf of California.

 

[Sushi Boy]

I'd look for one that's opened up rather than folded on a future dive. That'd definitely make IDing them easier.

 

[agilis]

Based on what little is visible I'd say a Flower Anemone.

 

[AZTinman]

I'd look for one that's opened up rather than folded on a future dive. That'd definitely make IDing them easier.

Yes, it would be nice to find one that's open, but this one's the only one like this we've seen and it wasn't cooperating! (LOL) It's a new artificial reef area (cruise ship pier).

 

[Diverspoint]

You may want to post again in a different group as well . This part is about Mexico

 

[ibj40]

You may want to post again in a different group as well . This part is about Mexico

As the Gulf of California is in Mexico, where do you suggest it be posted?