Why is it important for anemone to have zooxanthellae?

Anemones benefit from their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, which are photosynthetic algae living within their tissues. These algae provide the anemones with essential nutrients through photosynthesis, significantly enhancing their energy intake. In return, the anemones offer a protected environment and access to sunlight for the zooxanthellae. This mutualism is crucial for the survival and health of many anemone species, especially in nutrient-poor marine environments.