Red Sea Whip [Ellisella rubra]
Description
The Red Sea Whip is a species of soft coral native to the Caribbean Sea. It typically grows in dense, bushy colonies that can reach up to 2 meters in height. The colonies are comprised of numerous polyps, which are bright red in color. These polyps extend their tentacles to feed on plankton in the water column. The Red Sea Whip prefers habitats with strong currents and is commonly found on reefs and rocky substrates.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Gorgoniidae
Gorgoniidae
|
| Genus |
Sea Whips
Leptogorgia
|