Diving Guru | Marine Life | Cnidarians
Discover the Amazing World of Cnidarians in Zeeland
The waters of Zeeland are home to a fascinating variety of cnidarians. These creatures, from vibrant anemones to graceful jellyfish, are known for their stinging cells. Which they use to capture prey and defend themselves. Whether you’re exploring rocky surfaces or diving near wrecks, cnidarians are a common sight in the underwater landscapes of Zeeland.
On this page. You’ll learn about the unique cnidarian species found in Zeeland. Dive into our blog to explore their habitats, behaviors and the best ways to spot them on your next dive.
Here’s a preview of some cnidarians you might encounter in Zeeland:
Sea Dahlia (Urticina felina) A large anemone with bright red or pink tentacles. Often found on rocky surfaces and wrecks. Its striking colors make it easy to spot on your dives.
Beadlet Anemone (Actinia equina) A common anemone found on rocky outcrops and piers. Its red or green body and tentacles retract when touched, giving it a bead-like appearance.
- Tube Anemone (Cerianthus membranaceus) This anemone lives buried in soft substrates like sand or mud. It extends its flexible tentacles to capture food and retreats into its tube for protection. It can often be found in deeper waters in the Oosterschelde.
Plumose Anemone (Metridium senile) This anemone has long, flowing tentacles. And is often found attached to piers and rocky areas. Its white or orange body can grow quite large.
Dead Man’s Fingers (Alcyonium digitatum) A soft coral species that grows on wrecks and rocky areas. It has a finger-like appearance and can be white, yellow or orange.
Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) A translucent jellyfish often seen in the water column during warmer months. Its gentle movement and glowing appearance make it a beautiful sight.
Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella) This jellyfish has brown stripes on its bell and is commonly found in coastal waters during the summer. Its long tentacles can deliver a mild sting.
Barrel Jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo) The Barrel Jellyfish is a large jellyfish. Reaching up to one meter wide. Its pale, bluish bell is often seen in warm coastal waters. This gentle giant has a mild sting. Making it safe for divers to observe.
Dive Deeper
Explore our blog to learn more about these and other amazing cnidarians. Discover where to find them in Zeeland. How they behave and what makes them so special in the underwater world. Whether you’re looking for detailed guides or fun facts. We have something for every diving enthusiast!