Monitoring at MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, MA

Monitoring at MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, MA
Marine Invasive Species (MIS) Monitoring at MacMillan Wharf, Provincetown, MA.

Monday, June 4, 2018

Native Ghost Anemone in Wellfleet

Diadumene leucolena on Docks in the North Marina

A few years ago, a second, larger anemone, Diadumene leucolena, appeared at the Wellfleet marina and has remained on the north dock joining Diadumene lineata. The north marina is a protected, shallow estuary at the end of a creek that has limited species diversity.  The north side of the dock sits on the tidal flat at low tide limiting marine growth to anemones like D. lineata and D. leucolena, the solitary tunicate Molgula manhattensis, and a few sponges and algae.  Specimens of Diadumene leucolena, commonly known as the ghost anemone, are a pale beige color and several times longer than wide without colored stripes. They also form social groups on their own or sometimes mixed among groups of D. lineata.


Diadumene leucolena on the North Dock at Wellfleet Marina
Live Diadumene leucolena photographed off the north side of the floating dock in the north marina.  Top, a group of 4 anemones right below the water line.  Bottom, an enlargement of an individual anemone showing details of the tentacles and translucent body.  

LINKS: 
"Diadumene leucolena is commonly known as the Ghost Anemone because of its translucent white color. It is native to the East Coast of North America spanning from Georgia, USA to New Brunswick, Canada.  It is known from estuaries and sheltered waters, where it grows on oysters, rocks, seaweeds, pilings, and floats. It can also occur in sheltered tide pools, and is especially tolerant of variable salinities."
Global Biodiversity Information Facility: Diadumene leucolena (Verrill, 1866)
Harbor Watch Sep. 2013 post: Striped Anemone's Life in Wellfleet.  In situ photos of Diadumene lineata.
Harbor Watch Dec. 2011 post: Striped Anemone at Wellfleet MarinaIn situ and dissecting microscopic views of D. lineata.  
YouTube Video of Diadumene leucolenaGhost Anemone (Diadumene leucolena). From Kevin Wilson.  A ghost anemone in Kevin's Chesapeake Bay Oyster Reef Biotope aquarium.