Stichodactylidae | |
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Heteractis magnifica with Maldive anemonefish and juvenile threespot dascyllus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Cnidaria |
Class: | Hexacorallia |
Order: | Actiniaria |
Suborder: | Enthemonae |
Superfamily: | Actinioidea |
Family: | Stichodactylidae Andres, 1883 |
Genera | |
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Stichodactylidae is a family of sea anemones that contains the genera Stichodactyla (carpet anemones) and Heteractis. These sea anemones exclusively reside 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 sea anemone species are harmless to humans, but at least some 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 Heteractis has shown potential in treatment of lung cancer.[4]