Canarian Sea Mat – Palythoa canariensis

Canarian-Sea-Mat-Palythoa-canariensis-image-scuba-diving-canary-islands-species-anthozoa-anemones-encrusting
Colours: Green, Violet, Brown

Description

Palythoa canariensis has a circular shape. Their colour is light brown and their tentacles are violet, brown in the middle and green at the ends. In addition, they reach a maximum diameter of 5cm.

Habitat and Distribution

The Canarian Sea Mat lives on a solid ground in depths up to 40m. They prefer coastal areas. When diving in the Canaries you can see them from time to time. They can not be found anywhere else, because they are endemic in the Canaries.
Under this link of the Canary Government you will find more precise locations.

Canarian-Sea-Mat-Palythoa-canariensis-image-scuba-diving-canary-islands-species-anthozoa-anemones-encrusting

Biology

Palythoa canariensis lives in colonies. The largest I have seen so far was about 50 animals. Their poison is the subject of research, since it is thought to have healing effects.
There is not much known about life. When I dived with blue light I noticed that they fluoresce intensely green.
Palythoa generally feed on light and plankton.

Associated Species

References

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