On the Colours of two Sea Anemones, Actinia equina and Anemonia sulcata

Abstract

With Plates III, IV.) MANY and varied are the theories that hold the field of colour phenomena in nature. This is to be expected, for although a large amount of work has been published on this subject, very little of it takes one further than the surface. There are the theories of Darwin, Poulton, Wallace, Eimer, Simroth, etc., which are all based on a hypothesis of structure in relation to natural selection or environment, the works being so well known that it is unnecessary for us to enter into any detail here. The aim of the present investigation is to endeavour to obtain an interpretation for certain colours.

A Functional Biology of Sea Anemones

“…The marked absorption of violet, blue, and green wavelengths by ether-alcohol extracts of A.equina, which was greater in more darkly pigmented individuals (Elmhirst and Sharpe, 1920), is consistent with the absorption spectra of the carotenoids actinioerythrin, astaxanthin, and violerythrin (Figure 2.25) more recently demonstrated in actiniids (Hertzberg et al, 1969;LeBoeuf et al, 1981). The marked absorption of violet, blue, and green wavelengths by ether-alcohol extracts of A.equina, which was greater in more darkly pigmented individuals (Elmhirst and Sharpe, 1920), is consistent with the absorption spectra of the carotenoids actinioerythrin, astaxanthin, and violerythrin (Figure 2.25) more recently demonstrated in actiniids (Hertzberg et al, 1969;LeBoeuf et al, 1981).…”

Reproductive, genetic and ecological evidence thatActinia equinavar.mesembryanthemumand var.fragaceaare not conspecific

“…In Britain the species is abundant on all coasts and is by far the most frequently encountered anthozoan. Probably for this reason it has featured in many ecological and other studies (Elmhurst & Sharpe, 1920;Fischer-Piette, 1932;Bassindale, 1941;Crisp & Southward, 1958;Newell & Northcroft, 1967;Chia & Rostron, 1970;Schmidt, 1971;Francis, 1973;Ottaway & Kirby, 1975;Edmunds et al 1976;Jones, Pickthall & Nesbitt, 1977;Brace & Pavey, 1978;Rostron & Rostron, 1978;Black & Johnson, 1979;Brace, Pavey & Quicke, 1979;Carter & Thorp, 1979;Gashout & Ormond, *979)-The correct identification of species is a basic requirement for any meaningful ecological work, thus the taxonomic status of Actinia equina is of considerable importance for studies of population ecology on many European shores.…”

Hydroid Pigments. I. General discussion and pigments of the Sertulariidæ

“…Colasanti (1880) described a blue pigment from hydromedusse, which colouring matter he considered as a compound of carotin and protein. Elmhirst and Sharpe (1920) found a light-sensitive pigment in Actinia equina and Anetnonia sulcata. The intensity of the colour was proportional to the intensity of the light to which the Actinians were exposed.…”