Cerianthus

/sɪriˈænθəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of tube anemones, marine organisms that live inside protective mucus tubes and extend flower-like tentacles to catch food.

Etymology

From Greek keros (wax) + anthos (flower), named in the 18th century by taxonomists who noticed their wax-like tubes and flower-like appearance when feeding.

Kelly Says

The genus Cerianthus gave us one of the best animal names ever—'wax flower'—but they're actually ancient creatures that haven't changed much in 500 million years, making them living fossils.

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