Gray’s Parasphaeasclera, Softcoral – Parasphaerasclera grayi

Gray’s Parasphaeasclera, Softcoral, scientifically known as Parasphaerasclera grayi, is a captivating and unique marine invertebrate belonging to the class Octocorallia. It stands out as a fascinating member of the coral world, exhibiting distinctive characteristics and an intriguing lifestyle.

Description & Characteristics

This soft coral species is recognized by its intricate and delicate structure. Its colonies often take on a branching or arborescent form, creating a visually appealing display in the underwater environment. Its color palette typically ranges from shades of brown to gray, contributing to its common name. These colonies can reach a maximum size of [include specific size data if available], showcasing their impressive growth potential within their habitat.

Habitat and Occurrence

Parasphaerasclera grayi is primarily found in the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, spanning from the lower limit of the intertidal zone down to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters water depth. This makes it a common inhabitant of the neritic zone, the region extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. Within these marine environments, Gray’s Parasphaeasclera, Softcoral thrives in a variety of habitats, showcasing its adaptability to diverse underwater conditions.

Taxonomy

The scientific classification of Parasphaerasclera grayi places it within the class Octocorallia, an order known as Scleralcyonacea, and the family Parasphaerascleridae. This classification highlights its close relationships with other soft coral species, revealing its evolutionary history and the shared characteristics that define this diverse group of marine organisms.

Feeding

Parasphaerasclera grayi is an azooxanthellat, nonphotosynthetic organism, which means it does not rely on symbiotic algae for its energy needs. Instead, it is a specialist suspension feeder, capturing microscopic food particles from the water column. This feeding strategy allows Parasphaerasclera grayi to thrive in diverse environments, including those with limited sunlight penetration. Its specialized filtering mechanisms enable it to efficiently extract essential nutrients from the surrounding water, ensuring its survival in its chosen habitat.