Alcyonium cydonium, commonly known as the “dead man’s fingers”, is a species of soft coral belonging to the family Alcyoniidae. It is a distinctive and readily recognizable coral, often found in coastal waters across a wide geographic range.
Description & Characteristics
Alcyonium cydonium typically forms colonies of fleshy, finger-like polyps, often described as resembling a cluster of dead man’s fingers. These colonies can reach a maximum size of around 30 centimeters in height, but they are usually much smaller, ranging from a few centimeters to around 15 centimeters. The color of the colonies can vary, but they are most commonly found in shades of white, yellow, orange, or brown. The surface of the polyps is covered in small, star-shaped openings called “ostia” through which the coral filters seawater.
Habitat and Occurrence
Alcyonium cydonium is a common inhabitant of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in areas with strong currents. It is generally found in depths ranging from the intertidal zone to around 100 meters. This species is particularly abundant in the infralittoral zone, which encompasses the area between low tide and the upper limit of seaweed growth. Alcyonium cydonium is commonly found attached to rocks, shells, and other hard substrates, providing a stable base for its colonies to grow.
Taxonomy
Alcyonium cydonium is classified within the phylum Cnidaria, specifically within the class Octocorallia. This group includes corals with eight tentacles, as opposed to the six tentacles found in members of the class Hexacorallia. Alcyonium cydonium belongs to the order Malacalcyonacea, a group characterized by soft corals with a distinctive polyp structure. It is a member of the family Alcyoniidae, which includes a variety of soft corals with diverse shapes and sizes.
Feeding
Alcyonium cydonium is a filter feeder, relying on the capture of microscopic organisms such as plankton and other suspended particles in the water column. The polyps extend their tentacles, which are covered in stinging cells called nematocysts. These cells are used to paralyze prey before it is transported to the coral’s mouth. The feeding activity of Alcyonium cydonium is crucial for the coral’s survival and contributes to the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
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