Waving Hand Coral [Anthelia edmondsoni]
Description
Anthelia edmondsoni, also known as Waving Hand Coral, is a species of soft coral found in the Pacific Ocean, particularly around Hawaii. This species is notable for its polyps that resemble hands waving in the water, thus earning its common name. The polyps are usually pale in color, ranging from white to cream, and they extend from a flexible, tree-like stalk. The species is colonial and forms dense aggregations. It is found at depths between 1 and 30 meters and prefers areas with strong currents.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Xeniidae
Xeniidae
|
| Genus |
Anthelia
Anthelia
|