Alcyonium

Characteristics

Alcyonium species are characterized by their soft, fleshy colonies composed of numerous polyps. The polyps are typically small, with eight tentacles surrounding a central mouth. They are often brightly colored, ranging from red and orange to yellow and white. The colonies are often lobed or branched, resembling fingers or plumes, and can grow to considerable sizes, reaching up to several feet in length. Their surface is usually covered in small, raised bumps called verrucae, which are the openings to the polyps' digestive systems.

Environments

Alcyonium species are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in colder waters. They are often found attached to rocks, shells, and other hard substrates in shallow coastal waters. Some species can also be found in deeper waters, at depths of up to 1,000 meters.

Reproduction

Alcyonium species reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of sperm and eggs into the water, where they fertilize and develop into larvae. These larvae eventually settle on a suitable substrate and develop into new colonies. Asexual reproduction occurs through budding, where new polyps are produced from existing polyps.

Importance

Alcyonium species are important members of marine ecosystems. They provide habitat for a variety of other organisms, including fish, invertebrates, and algae. They are also an important food source for some animals, such as sea stars and nudibranchs.

Common Names

Alcyonium species are commonly known as "dead men's fingers" due to their characteristic finger-like or branching growth form. Other common names include:

• Sea fingers
• Soft coral
• Sea pen

References

Wikipedia: Alcyonium
World Register of Marine Species: Alcyonium
Natural History Museum: Soft Corals