Octineon suecicum
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Neil McDaniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Neil McDaniel
Overview
The bredfotsanemon (Octineon suecicum) is a distinctive marine cnidarian endemic to Swedish coastal waters, characterized by its broad, foot-like base and translucent tentacles that display iridescent blue-green coloration. This sessile species plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as both predator of small planktonic organisms and shelter provider for juvenile fish and crustaceans.
Bredfotsanemon faces severe population declines due to coastal development and pollution in its limited Baltic Sea range. Climate change-induced warming and acidification of marine waters further threaten this cold-water specialist, while its restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances.
Habitat
Rocky subtidal zones and sandy bottoms in shallow coastal waters of the Baltic Sea, typically at depths of 5-30 meters where salinity levels are reduced compared to open ocean conditions. The species requires specific temperature and salinity ranges found only in these brackish marine environments.
Threatened in Canada
Frequently asked questions
Why is Octineon suecicum classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Octineon suecicum live?
What are the main threats to Octineon suecicum?
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