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Size-dependent dominance hierarchy in the anemone Actinia equina

Nature volume 273, pages 752–753 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

THERE are many examples of aggression among anthozoan coelenterates: corals show interspecific interaction in which ranking may be obvious1, and inter-clonal aggression occurs in the anemone Anthopleura elegantissima2. Aggressive behaviour is also exhibited by some solitary anemones, such as Actinia equina L. Both these species possess special structures bearing batteries of nematocysts, the acrorhagi which are used solely for offence3. We report here that there is a hierarchy of aggression, which is based on size, in A. equina.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, UK

    R. C. BRACE & JANIS PAVEY

Authors
  1. R. C. BRACE
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  2. JANIS PAVEY
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BRACE, R., PAVEY, J. Size-dependent dominance hierarchy in the anemone Actinia equina. Nature 273, 752–753 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/273752a0

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