Underwater, this anemone displays a large number of short and retractable tentacles arranged in six concentric rows.

[1] Actinia mediterranea lives in the intertidal zone, fixed on rocks usually hidden from the direct sunlight, and can be found both in exposed and sheltered places.

This anemone is highly adapted to hard living conditions and can tolerate tides, temperature and salinity variations and also desiccation.

Actinia mediterranea leads a benthic way of life and is an active carnivore, catching its prey at night by displaying its stinging tentacles.

Its diet consists in zooplankton, small fish, tiny crustaceans and organic detritus drifting in the water.