[1][2] Previously sighted before it was first described as a new species in 2023, M. fautinae has also been commonly referred to as the purple-lip sand anemone by local residents.

[3] The species is named in honor of Daphne Gail Fautin, who was an American zoologist and professor at the University of Kansas.

[4] The tiger anemone is found in coastal waters of the Straits of Johor near Singapore, in particularly Changi where it is a relatively common sight.

[6] The tiger anemone is defined by a cylindrical body with 96 tentacles, that have been described to be smooth and possessing a striped brown-white pattern.

The body itself is cream-colored, with pink structures that are capable of expelling water when the anemone contracts.