Size S (£30.00) up to M (£35.00)
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The Hell's Fire Anemone Actinodendron plumosum looks more like a coral, but is actually a burrowing anemone. They bury their foot and body in the sand with only their oral disc and tentacles emerging. When disturbed they can retract their entire body into the sand and be virtually invisible.

The Actinodendron genus is a unique group of anemones that are basically in a class all their own. They look more like colonies of soft corals than actinides. Typically they have busy, branched long tentacles. The Hell's Fire Anemone has tentacles with a leaf-shaped or feather-like appearance, thus they are also known as the Pinnate Anemone, Tree Anemone, and Branching Anemone.

The Hell's Fire Anemone is one of the 'stinging sea anemones' in the Actinodendronidae family. This family consists of three genera; Actinodendron, Actinostephanus, and Megalactis, all of which are found only in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. These anemones are so named 'stinging sea anemones' because of their capacity to sting humans badly.

Although all anemones have stinging cells, nematocysts found in their tentacles, the Hell's Fire Anemone has a dangerous sting that is extremely powerful and is very painful. In fact, its toxin is so potent, it is reputed to even sting fish to eat. Another anemone from this group, the Bali Fire Anemone Megalactis hemprichi, is similar in this regard and is also referred to as a Hell's Fire Anemone.

Purchasing a Hell's Fire Anemone, or any of the 'stinging sea anemones,' needs to be made with enough knowledge to protect yourself and your other charges.They have a very different look from anything that is typically sold. They are very poisonous and the sting is very painful. Aquarists be warned and wear gloves when handling this genus. The sting from these anemones can damage and even kill other corals. The Hell's Fire Anemone is also reputed to sting and eat fish. Keeping them in a species specific tank allows you and them to be happy.