Arachnactidae


Arachnactidae is a family of tube-dwelling anemones in the order Ceriantharia. It is the only family in the monotypic order Penicillaria and comprises around 38 species. They differ from other ceriantharians in the makeup of their cnidome, the relative sizes of the oral discs and the shape and structure of the mesenteries. These tube anemones dwell in parchment-like tubes immersed in soft sediment, and have two whorls of tentacles, the outer ones being much longer than the inner ones.

Genera

The World Register of Marine Species includes the following genera in the family :Anactinia Annandale, 1909Arachnactis Sars, 1846Arachnanthus Carlgren, 1912Dactylactis Van Beneden, 1897Isapiactis Carlgren, 1924Isarachnactis Carlgren, 1924Isarachnanthus Carlgren, 1924Isovactis Leloup, 1942Ovactis Van Beneden, 1897Paranactinia Carlgren, 1924