Purple Sea Rod [Plexaura flexuosa]
Description
The Purple Sea Rod is a soft coral species that belongs to the Plexauridae family. It is characterized by its bushy, rod-like structure with a purple coloration. This species is usually found in shallow reef environments and is particularly abundant in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The Purple Sea Rod feeds on planktonic organisms and tiny particles suspended in the water column. Its colonies are often heavily populated by brittle stars.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Gorgoniidae
Gorgoniidae
|
| Genus |
Purple Sea Rods
Pseudopterogorgia
|