Muricea fruticosa is a marine cnidarian species of soft coral belonging to the gorgonian family Plexauridae, characterized by its branching morphology and presence in tropical western American marine ecosystems.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Shallow to moderate depth marine environments along the Pacific coastlines of Central and North America, typically found on rocky substrates between 5-50 meters depth with temperatures ranging 18-28°C.
Ecological Role
Provides critical habitat and shelter for marine invertebrates and juvenile fish, contributes to marine ecosystem biodiversity and serves as a bioindicator of reef health and environmental conditions.
Morphology
SKIN COATCovered in protective coenenchyme tissue with scleritic elements providing structural integrity
LIMBS WINGSMultiple branching arms extending from central axis, creating complex three-dimensional structure
HEAD SENSORYContains specialized polyps with retractable tentacles for feeding and environmental sensing
BODY STRUCTUREBranching, arborescent colony with calcified axial skeleton, typically 15-40 cm in height, with multiple interconnected branches and polyp-bearing surfaces
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Steve Lonhart / NOAA MBNMS
