Subergorgiidae
The Subergorgiidae are a family of soft corals in the order Alcyonacea. These corals are commonly known as “subergorian sea fans” or “subergorian gorgonians”. They are characterized by their fan-shaped colonies, which are often brightly colored and can reach significant sizes.
Characteristics
Subergorian sea fans are distinguished by their skeletal structure, which consists of a central axis made of gorgonin, a protein found in some corals. This axis is surrounded by a layer of polyps, which are the individual animals that make up the colony. The polyps are typically arranged in rows along the branches of the fan, and they have eight tentacles surrounding a central mouth. The polyps of Subergorgiidae are also unique in having a "suber" (cork-like) layer in their tissue, which helps to protect them from predators.
Environment
Subergorian sea fans are found in a variety of marine habitats, primarily in tropical and subtropical waters. They are commonly found on rocky reefs, coral reefs, and seamounts. These corals are also known to thrive in areas with strong currents, as they can filter feed efficiently in these conditions.
Distribution
Subergorian sea fans have a wide geographical distribution, ranging from the Caribbean Sea to the Indo-Pacific region. They are particularly abundant in the tropical western Atlantic, where they can be found in large numbers along the coast of Florida and the Caribbean islands.