A marine octocoral species belonging to the Gorgoniidae family, native to coastal marine environments, characterized by its branching colonial structure and soft, flexible skeleton.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Typically found in subtropical and tropical marine ecosystems, particularly in deeper reef zones with moderate water currents, at depths ranging from 10-100 meters
Ecological Role
Provides critical marine habitat and shelter for small invertebrates, contributes to reef biodiversity, and serves as a bioindicator for marine ecosystem health
Morphology
SKIN COATProtective external layer of sclerites and organic tissue, typically in muted brown, orange, or yellow coloration
LIMBS WINGSSoft, contractile polyps with feeding tentacles surrounding central mouth
HEAD SENSORYPolyps with eight-fold symmetry, capable of retraction into skeletal structure for protection
BODY STRUCTUREBranching, flexible colony with calcified axial skeleton, typically ranging 15-40 cm in height, with multiple interconnected polyp-bearing branches
