Primnoidae
Primnoidae is a family of colonial, often deep-sea, gorgonian corals found in all oceans except the Arctic. These corals, commonly known as sea feathers or feather stars due to their intricate branching structure, are characterized by their feathery polyp-bearing branches that radiate from a central stem. Their delicate, often brightly colored forms are a striking sight in the underwater world.
Characteristics
Primnoidae are distinguished by several key features:
- Branching Structure: They exhibit a distinctive branching pattern, with feathery branches extending from a central stem, resembling a plume or a feather.
- Polyp Distribution: The polyps are distributed along the branches, giving the coral its feathery appearance.
- Sclerites: Their skeleton is made of a network of protein (gorgonin) interspersed with microscopic calcareous spicules known as sclerites. These sclerites have a distinctive morphology, often resembling spindles or rods.
- Coenenchyme: The coral's soft tissues, known as coenenchyme, are typically filled with polyps and a network of canals for nutrient distribution.
Environments
Primnoidae species are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. Some species inhabit rocky reefs, while others prefer sandy or muddy bottoms. Many species thrive in cold, deep-water environments, often at depths of over 100 meters.
References
For further information on Primnoidae, consult these reliable sources: