[1] It was first described in 1834 by Wilhelm Hemprich and Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg as Actinia (Isacmaea) stellula.

Anthopleura stellula is unusual among sea anemones in that it can divide by transverse fission.

[3][4] During the fission process, an indentation occurs halfway down the column, new tentacles begin to develop below the constriction, and the two portions separate.

[4] Research has shown that a decrease in salinity encourages fission while an increase prevents it happening.

It is thought that A. stellula produces "fission substances" when the salinity falls, and that these can circulate in the water and affect other sea anemones.