Gorgoniidae

Characteristics

Sea fans are readily identified by their distinctive branching structures that resemble a fan. Their colonies are typically composed of two types of polyps: autozooids and siphonozooids. Autozooids are responsible for feeding and reproduction, while siphonozooids, smaller and less numerous, regulate water flow through the colony. The color of sea fans can vary greatly, ranging from vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges to muted browns and blacks. This vibrant coloration is often due to the presence of pigments within the polyps, as well as symbiotic algae living within their tissues.

Habitat and Ecology

Sea fans are primarily found in shallow, well-lit, tropical and subtropical waters, often in areas with strong currents. They are commonly encountered attached to rocky substrates or coral reefs, where they benefit from the constant flow of water, bringing them food and oxygen. As sessile organisms, sea fans rely on currents to deliver food, consisting of zooplankton and other microscopic organisms, to their polyps. They are also important habitat providers for a variety of other marine species, including fish, invertebrates, and algae.

Reproduction

Gorgoniidae reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the release of sperm and eggs into the water column, where fertilization occurs. The resulting larvae, known as planulae, are free-swimming and eventually settle on a suitable substrate to form a new colony. Asexual reproduction occurs through budding, where new polyps develop from existing ones, allowing the colony to expand in size.

References

For more information on Gorgoniidae, visit the following websites:

• World Register of Marine Species
• Coral Reef Alliance