The Venus Sea Fan, Venus’ Fan, Common Sea Fan, scientifically known as Gorgonia flabellum, is a striking and vibrant coral species found in the vibrant underwater world of the Atlantic Ocean. This captivating organism is a prominent example of the intricate beauty and biodiversity that grace the marine environment.
Description & Characteristics
Gorgonia flabellum is a colonial organism, meaning it’s composed of many individual polyps that work together to form a larger structure. The fan-shaped colony, which can reach up to 60 cm in height, is the most recognizable characteristic of the species. Its intricate branching pattern and bright yellow to orange coloration further enhance its visual appeal. The fan-like structure provides a large surface area for capturing food and serves as a foundation for a diverse array of other organisms, such as algae, sponges, and bryozoans, contributing to the overall health and complexity of the reef ecosystem.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Venus Sea Fan, Venus’ Fan, Common Sea Fan, Gorgonia flabellum, is a common sight in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones of the Atlantic Ocean. It thrives in these underwater habitats, which extend from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters. This makes it a resident of the neritic zone, a marine environment that encompasses the shallower waters of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Gorgonia flabellum is classified within the phylum Cnidaria, a diverse group that includes jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. It belongs to the Class Octocorallia, which encompasses corals with eight tentacles. Further, it is categorized within the Order Malacalcyonacea, characterized by its eight-lobed polyps. The family Gorgoniidae, to which this species belongs, is known for its fan-shaped, branching corals, making Gorgonia flabellum a true representative of its family.
Feeding
Gorgonia flabellum is a filter feeder, relying on the flow of water to bring food particles to its polyps. It primarily consumes plankton, which includes both plant and animal life, and zooplankton. Additionally, it also benefits from a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that reside within its tissues. The zooxanthellae photosynthesize, providing the coral with organic nutrients in exchange for shelter and access to carbon dioxide.
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