Does a Sea Anemone Lay Eggs?

Sea anemones reproduce in a number of different ways. Many species use several forms of asexual reproduction, while some species of anemone use sexual reproduction and produce eggs. A few species can even use either form of reproduction, depending on the circumstances.

  1. Splitting

    • Many species of sea anemones reproduce by splitting in two. Marine biologists call this "fission." In a home aquarium, some species like the carpet anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum) can even be split in half with a scalpel and grow into two new anemones -- this is a form of asexual reproduction. The new anemones have identical DNA and are considered clones of each other.

    Pedical Laceration

    • Some sea anemones reproduce through another form of asexual reproduction called pedical laceration. In this form, the sea anemone moves, very slowly, and leaves behind part of its pedical disk. The pedical disk consists of the bottom or "foot" of the anemone. This left-behind piece of the anemone can grow into a new animal. Again, this form of reproduction produces a new anemone with the same DNA as its parent.

    Sexual Reproduction

    • Some species of sea anemones can reproduce through sexual reproduction. Some species have both male and female sex organs, called hermaphrodites. Other are dioecious, which means they have male and female anemones. When sea anemones reproduce sexually, they release sperm and eggs into the aquarium water. The eggs are fertilized in the water and start the next stage of their life cycle. The beaded anemone (Phymanthus spp.) reproduces in this fashion, though it can also reproduce asexually.

    Life Cycle

    • In sea anemones that reproduce sexually, the anemone goes through several distinct stages. The main phase of the anemone's life is called a polyp. The polyps release sperm, eggs or both into the water. The fertilized egg becomes a tiny swimming stage called a planula. Depending on the species, the planula may eat smaller types of plankton or live off its yolk until the next stage. After the planula stage, the anemone becomes a ciliated juvenile polyp. This stage is still free swimming, but seeks a suitable surface to settle on. Once settled, the juvenile polyp begins to grow into an adult polyp.