Broad Sea Fan [Eunicella verrucosa]
Description
The Broad Sea Fan, scientifically known as Eunicella verrucosa, is a large and bushy gorgonian coral species that grows in a fan-like manner. This species is distinctive due to its flat, broad branches and its pale pink color. It is predominantly found in the Northeast Atlantic, specifically in the Mediterranean Sea and along the coastlines of Portugal and Spain. It usually resides in rocky marine environments, particularly in areas with strong currents and clean, nutrient-rich waters. As a sessile organism, the Broad Sea Fan anchors itself to the seafloor and captures plankton from the water column using its polyps.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Gorgoniidae
Gorgoniidae
|
| Genus |
Broad Sea Fans
Pacifigorgia
|