Sea anemones reproduce both sexually (considered for several genera of west-coast anemones in this section) and asexully, and some species do both. ASEXUAL reproduction is considered in another part of the ODYSSEY .
Sexes are mostly separate in sea anemones and their relatives. Gonads develop on the internal mesenteries and gametes are released via the mouth during summer or throughout the year, depending upon species and area. Development leads to a free-swimming larva called a planula that may feed or not feed depending upon species.