Anthogorgiidae
Anthogorgiidae is a family of octocorallian soft corals in the order Alcyonacea. They are commonly known as “sea whips” or “sea fans” due to their branching, whip-like or fan-like forms. These corals are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
Characteristics
Anthogorgiidae exhibit several defining characteristics:
- Branching Form: Their colonies are typically branching, resembling whips, fans, or plumes.
- Calcareous Axis: They possess a central axis made of calcium carbonate, providing structural support.
- Polyp Structure: The polyps are retractile and have eight tentacles, each with numerous lateral pinnules.
- Sclerites: They possess sclerites, tiny calcareous spicules embedded in the soft tissues, which vary in shape and size among species.
- Coloration: Anthogorgiids exhibit a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, purple, and white.
Environment
Anthogorgiids are typically found in shallow to deep waters, often attached to rocky substrates, coral reefs, or other hard surfaces. They are generally considered to be suspension feeders, capturing small plankton and other organic matter from the surrounding water using their tentacles.
References
For further information on Anthogorgiidae, please refer to the following resources: