Anemones and Corals: Anthozoa - Diet

Most anemones and corals eat plankton, or microscopic plants and animals drifting in water. Drifting prey are captured when they come in contact with the extended tentacles. Prey capture also may involve the firing of stingers. Many corals make slimy mucus that traps floating and sinking food particles. Large sea anemones may feed on crabs, clams and mussels, and fish. Many anemones and corals also receive nutrition from algae (AL-jee) living inside them. Algae are plantlike growths that live in water and have no true roots, stems, or leaves.