A marine colonial octocoral species characterized by its fan-like, flattened branching structure, typically found in Caribbean coral reef ecosystems.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Shallow tropical and subtropical marine environments, predominantly in Caribbean coral reef systems at depths between 1-50 meters, attached to hard substrate in areas with moderate water currents.
Ecological Role
Provides critical habitat and shelter for numerous marine organisms, contributes to reef structural complexity, and serves as a key component of marine biodiversity in Caribbean ecosystems.
Morphology
SKIN COATSoft tissue covering a rigid calcium carbonate skeleton, typically ranging in colors from purple to brown
LIMBS WINGSFlexible, interconnected branches with calcified skeletal structure allowing movement with water currents
HEAD SENSORYPolyps distributed across branching structure with chemosensory capabilities for detecting nutrients and potential threats
BODY STRUCTUREFlat, fan-shaped colonial organism with dichotomous branching pattern, typically 30-100 cm in width, oriented perpendicular to water currents for optimal filter feeding
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: James St. John
