How could this beautiful animal be anyone's enemy? This brilliant Dahlia anemone (Urticina felina)was discovered in its full radiance today off the coast of the Isle of Islay, the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides archipelago which is closely associated with the mainland of Scotland. While guests were enjoying nature walks at Loch Gruinart National Park or historical trips to Loch Finlaggan, I slipped beneath the glistening glass-like ocean surface to discover this member of the phylum Cnidaria. This phylum which was formally known as Coelenterata also includes jellyfishes, sea firs, sea fans, sea pens, and corals. This specific species can be found on all coasts of the British Isles and as far north as Norway. It can be usually found in shaded conditions under ledges and in deep crevasses within rock structures. As a Cnidarian it uses stinging cells which contain nematocysts (small capsule like structures that contain a coiled barbed thread) which are fired in response to tactile stimulation. These specialized cells enable the animal to hunt for food such as small fish, as well as defend itself against photographers or any other creature that may get too close.