Pentapora [Pentapora]

Description

Pentapora is another genus within the family Depastridae, notable for its large, colorful, and often fan-shaped colonies that contribute significantly to the biodiversity and structure of marine benthic ecosystems. These colonies are formed by the aggregation of numerous individual zooids, each with its own lophophore for feeding. Pentapora colonies are primarily found in temperate waters and are often observed growing on rocky substrates, where they can become dominant features of the marine landscape. The structure of Pentapora colonies provides shelter and habitat for a variety of marine species, while the zooids themselves filter feed on plankton, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling within their ecosystems.

Species

Mediterranean Sea Fan [Pentapora fascialis]

View Details

Schizoporella Unicornis [Pentapora foliacea]