Haddon's Carpet Anemone
About the Haddon's Carpet Anemone in Singapore
Last updated 2 June 2026
Have you seen a large, colourful “carpet” on our sandy shores? It’s likely the Haddon’s Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni) – one of the most common and eye-catching animals in our intertidal zone. Avoid touching them, as these anemones are covered in tentacles that may sting.
The Haddon’s Carpet Anemone is a stealthy predator. Its sticky tentacles can grab passing small fish, crabs and other unlucky prey, which are then pulled into its central mouth and swallowed whole.
Identifying features
Check out some of the identifying features of Haddon’s Carpet Anemones below.
Haddon’s Carpet Anemones come in a range of colours, from a deep purple to green, pastel blue, and grey. Their tentacles are generally short and stubby with bulbous tips, but alternate in length along the outer edge of the anemone.
Habitat and ecology
Commonly found on our Northern shores, Haddon’s Carpet Anemones are found in sandy areas and among seagrasses. These anemones can survive short periods out of the water by shrinking and producing a layer of mucus to retain moisture.
When out of the water, shrimps and snails may seek out small pockets of moisture trapped below Haddon’s Carpet Anemones. The anemones also hide smaller animals from predators.
Did you know?
Similar to corals, Haddon’s Carpet Anemones form a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) that live in their tentacles. The zooxanthellae are what give the anemones their colours! The algae provides food for its host, and the anemone provides a habitat for the algae.
Learn more about the Haddon's Carpet Anemone!
Curious about the Haddon's Carpet Anemone? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
