Pinnigorgia

Pinnigorgia is a genus of soft corals in the family Alcyoniidae. It is commonly known as a “pinnacle gorgonian” due to its distinctive fan-like shape.

Yellow Sea Rod, Grube’s Gorgonian – Pinnigorgia flava

Characteristics

Pinnigorgia species are characterized by their pinnately branched colonies, which are often erect and fan-shaped. These colonies are typically composed of a central axis from which numerous branches extend. The branches are covered in polyps, which are small, cylindrical structures that house the coral's feeding apparatus.

The polyps of Pinnigorgia are usually white, cream, or yellow in color, and they often have a distinctive, star-shaped pattern on their oral disks. These polyps are also capable of retracting into the coral's tissue, which helps to protect them from predators.

The colonies of Pinnigorgia can range in size from a few inches to several feet tall. They are typically found in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, and brown.

Environment

Pinnigorgia species are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are commonly found in shallow, reef environments, where they are exposed to strong currents and sunlight. They typically prefer clear, well-oxygenated waters. These corals are often found growing on hard substrates, such as rocks, coral rubble, and even boat hulls.

They are particularly common in the Indo-Pacific region, and are also found in the Caribbean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.

References

For further information on Pinnigorgia, refer to the following websites: