The Red Finger Coral, Sea Finger, scientifically known as Alcyonium palmatum, is a vibrant and fascinating species of soft coral found in the cool waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. This striking organism, resembling a cluster of fleshy fingers, is a common sight in the rocky shores and kelp forests of its habitat.
Description & Characteristics
Alcyonium palmatum is characterized by its bright red to orange color and its unique, finger-like polyps. These polyps, which are individual feeding units, are clustered together on a central stalk, forming a distinctive, hand-shaped colony. The colony can reach a maximum size of around 30 centimeters in diameter. The surface of the coral is covered in tiny, star-shaped openings called “pores” that lead to the polyps.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Red Finger Coral, Sea Finger, Alcyonium palmatum, thrives in cold, clear waters with strong currents. It is commonly found on rocky substrates and kelp forests, often attached to boulders and other solid surfaces. The species is known to occur in a range of depths, from the intertidal zone down to around 100 meters. Alcyonium palmatum is primarily found in the North Atlantic Ocean, including the coastlines of the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Norway. It is a common inhabitant of the neritic zone, the coastal region of the ocean extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Alcyonium palmatum is classified within the phylum Cnidaria, a group of aquatic invertebrates that includes corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones. This species belongs to the Class: Octocorallia, Order: Malacalcyonacea, and Family: Alcyoniidae. The Octocorallia class is defined by the eight-fold radial symmetry of its members, which are often referred to as “soft corals.” Alcyonium palmatum shares this characteristic symmetry, distinguishing it further as a member of this class.
Feeding
Alcyonium palmatum is a filter feeder, meaning it captures its food from the surrounding water. The polyps extend their tentacles, which are covered in stinging cells called nematocysts, to catch microscopic prey such as brine shrimp nauplii, dust food, plankton, and zooplankton. The captured food is then transported to the mouth located at the base of the polyp.
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