A sea anemone is a colorful ocean animal that looks more like an underwater flower than a creature. These animals attach themselves to rocks or coral on the sea floor and wave their soft, petal-like tentacles in the water. The tentacles contain tiny stinging cells that the anemone uses to catch small fish and plankton floating by, stunning them before pulling them into its mouth at the center.

Despite their delicate appearance, sea anemones are actually predators, related to jellyfish and coral. Some species can live for over 70 years in the same spot. The most famous sea anemones are probably the ones that clownfish live in: the fish are immune to the anemone's sting and hide safely among its tentacles, while the anemone gets cleaned and protected in return.

Scientists pronounce it “uh-NEM-uh-nee,” though you might also hear people say “uh-nem-OH-nee.” Sea anemones come in brilliant colors like purple, green, orange, and red, making coral reefs look like underwater gardens. Some are as tiny as a penny, while others grow wider than a dinner plate.