Feeding habits of the sea anemone Telmatactis panamensis (Actiniaria: Andvakiidae) from the Coiba National Park, Panama

A recent study reveals that the sea anemone Telmatactis panamensis, abundant in Coiba National Park, Panama, is an opportunistic polyphagous feeder, primarily consuming the most available prey in its environment. Analysis of 76 specimens collected in February 2023 showed that zooplankton—including copepods, eggs, and fish larvae—dominated its diet (88.9% by percentage), with benthic crustaceans and mollusks contributing minimally. The findings align with global patterns for sea anemones, suggesting this species exploits the most abundant prey in its ecosystem without significant dietary specialization. The research employed trophic indices to quantify prey importance, providing a rare baseline for T. panamensis biology in the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

(Ed.). (2025). Feeding habits of the sea anemone Telmatactis panamensis (Actiniaria: Andvakiidae) from the Coiba National Park, Panama. Instituto de Ecologia Y Ciencias Ambientales, 20, 76–38. https://doi.org/10.54451/panamjas.20.2.76