Nematostella vectensis
VU

Nematostella vectensis

Unknown

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.

Threat summary

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.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in EDWARDSIIDAE

Ivell's Sea AnemoneCR

Ivell's Sea Anemone

Edwardsia ivelli

Unknown

Threatened in Canada

VU

Lepiota echinella

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EN

Nymphaea loriana

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EN

Lake Lamprey

Entosphenus macrostoma

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VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Nematostella vectensis classified as Vulnerable?
Nematostella vectensis is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. 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.
Where does Nematostella vectensis live?
Nematostella vectensis occurs in Canada, France, United Kingdom, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Nematostella vectensis?
The main threats to Nematostella vectensis are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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