These species reside exclusively within the shallow waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific area and are in the main family of sea anemones that hosts several varieties of clownfishes.

[1] Most species of sea anemones are harmless to humans, but at least some species of the genus Stichodactyla are highly venomous and their sting may cause anaphylactic shock and organ failure (notably acute liver failure).

[2][3] In contrast, the venom of Radianthus spp.

has shown potential in the treatment of lung cancer.

[4] C. Collingwood first reported species of the genus Stichodactylidae in 1868 after taking note of the existence of gigantic sea-anemones in the China Sea, containing quasi-parasitic fish.