The Forked Sea Feather, bipinnate Sea Plume, scientifically known as Antillogorgia bipinnata, is a striking and delicate colonial coral found in the vibrant ecosystems of the Caribbean Sea. This species, belonging to the Gorgoniidae family, stands out with its intricate branched structure, resembling a feathery plume, hence its common name.
Description & Characteristics
Antillogorgia bipinnata exhibits a distinctive bipinnate morphology, meaning its branches are further subdivided into smaller, feather-like structures. These branches, known as pinnules, are arranged in a distinctive pattern, adding to the coral’s overall elegance. Its skeleton, composed of a hard, axial rod covered in a fleshy polyp layer, gives the Forked Sea Feather, bipinnate Sea Plume its characteristic rigidity and shape. The polyps, tiny, individual organisms that form the colony, are responsible for feeding and reproduction. The color of Antillogorgia bipinnata can vary, often displaying shades of yellow, orange, or even a vibrant red, contributing to the colorful tapestry of the coral reefs it calls home.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Forked Sea Feather, bipinnate Sea Plume is commonly found in shallow, tropical waters, particularly in the Caribbean Sea. It thrives in environments with strong currents, where the flow of water provides essential nutrients and helps to remove waste products. Antillogorgia bipinnata often attaches itself to hard substrates like rocks, coral, and even shipwrecks, creating a vibrant and intricate landscape on the seafloor. This species is typically found in the subtidal zone, with a depth range extending from about 10 meters to over 50 meters, encompassing the mesophotic zone as well.
Taxonomy
The species Antillogorgia bipinnata belongs to the Class: Octocorallia, Order: Malacalcyonacea, and Family: Gorgoniidae. These classifications reflect its unique characteristics, including its eight-part radial symmetry, its calcified axial skeleton, and its soft, fleshy polyp layer.
Feeding
Antillogorgia bipinnata, like other gorgonians, employs a variety of strategies for obtaining nutrients. It filters microscopic food particles from the water, a process known as suspension feeding. This “dustfood” consists of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other organic matter. The polyps of Antillogorgia bipinnata also harbor symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae within their tissues. These tiny organisms, through photosynthesis, provide a supplemental source of energy to the coral in the form of sugars, adding to the Forked Sea Feather, bipinnate Sea Plume’s overall resilience and success.
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