Underwater World Gallery

Wandering sea anemone (Nemanthus sp.)

Wandering sea anemone (Nemanthus sp.). These sea anemones attach to sea whips, hydroids and black corals, often in large numbers. Although found in deeper water as far south as Jervis Bay on the NSW coast, they are of tropical origin, the larval form being brought down by currents. They can release themselves from their host and wander through the water column to find a suitable new perching place. North Rock near Fish Soup, Solitary Islands Marine Park, New South Wales, Australia

© Mark Spencer/AUSCAPE All rights reserved

Lions mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata)

Lion's mane jellyfish (Cyanea capillata), largest of all jellyfish, up to 2 m diameter. The margin of the bell is divided into eight lobes, and there are eight groups of about 100 tentacles each on the underside of its umbrella. It hunts by sinking slowly with its tentacles spread over a prey which it then stuns with its nematocysts. The tentacles can be 30 m or longer, the record being 37 m. Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia

© Mark Spencer/AUSCAPE All rights reserved

Inland freshwater crab (Austrothelphusa transversa)

Inland freshwater crab (Austrothelphusa transversa), in a tributary of Running River, Burdekin River catchment. Gives birth to live tiny versions of itself that can exist in an arrested state under the mother's abdomen for up to six months until rain comes. Adults can live in their metre-deep burrow for six years waiting for rain. Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary, adjoining the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, North Queensland, Australia

© Wayne Lawler/AUSCAPE All rights reserved