Vibrant and toxic: Stunning anemones captured by underwater photography in Izmit Bay

KOCAELI, TURKIYE - AUGUST 10: A view of anemones, which are as poisonous as they are aesthetic and resemble flower bouquets with their appearances, in Izmit Bay in Kocaeli, Turkiye on August 10, 2024. Underwater photographer and diving instructor Mehtap Akbas Ciftci captured the anemones in Izmit Bay. Anemones, which have poisonous tentacles and are semi-sessile (partially attached to the sea floor), exhibit vibrant yellow and green colors due to the zooxanthellae algae they host. Their tips, gently swaying in the currents, are a striking purple. These anemones are especially favored by underwater photographers for their vivid colors and unique forms. They can grow up to 20 centimeters in length and are commonly found on rocky, shallow sea beds, where they feed on planktonic creatures. (Photo by Mehtap Ciftci /Anadolu via Getty Images)