Gorgonia ventalina

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Common sea fan
French : Eventail de mer commun

Classification
Class : Anthozoa
Order : Malacalcyonacea
Family : Gorgoniidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The biggest colonies can grow to a diameter of 1.5 m. Colony is composed of main thick branches and a network of smaller intricate branches forming a single plan. Coloration goes from white to bright purple with beige polyps.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. Lives in shallow coastal areas and deep outer reefs with strong current, to 15 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is very common and can tolerate living in a broad range of habitat as long as the water current is strong. Threatened by pollution.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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