Nematostella vectensis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starlet_sea_anemone
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Nematostella vectensis faces severe habitat degradation from coastal development and pollution in its restricted salt marsh environments. Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threaten to alter the salinity gradients essential for this species' survival. Water quality deterioration from agricultural runoff and urban development further compromises the delicate brackish conditions required by this cnidarian.
Habitat
Nematostella vectensis inhabits shallow brackish pools and salt marshes along temperate coastlines, requiring specific salinity conditions between freshwater and marine environments. This small sea anemone thrives in muddy sediments of tidal pools, salt ponds, and estuarine areas where salinity fluctuates with tidal cycles.
