Elastica Soft Coral [Heteroxenia elastica]
Description
Heteroxenia elastica, also known as Elastica Soft Coral, is a species of soft coral in the family Xeniidae. This species is native to the waters of the Indo-Pacific region, particularly the Red Sea. It's a colonial species, with colonies made up of multiple polyps that display a unique rhythmic pulsing behavior. The polyps are typically white, cream, or pale pink in color. This species is common on reef slopes and flats, where it's often found in large aggregations.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Xeniidae
Xeniidae
|
| Genus |
Heteroxenia
Heteroxenia
|