Umbellate Sea Pens [Umbellulidae]

Description

Umbellulidae, known as umbellate sea pens, are characterized by their umbrella-like appearance, with polyps that extend outward from the top of a single, long stalk. This family is found in deep-sea environments, anchored in soft sediments. The umbrella-like structure is used to capture plankton and organic particles floating in the water. Their unique morphology allows them to maximize their surface area for feeding in nutrient-poor, deep-sea environments.

Genera

Taxonomy