Broccoli Soft Coral [Lemnalia africana]
Description
Lemnalia africana, commonly referred to as Broccoli Soft Coral, is a species of soft coral in the family Nephtheidae. Its natural habitat includes the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean. This species prefers shallow depths of 5 to 20 meters and typically inhabits areas with strong currents. It forms erect, bushy colonies that resemble broccoli, hence its common name. The polyps of this species are extended during the day and night to capture plankton from the water column.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Stony Corals
Scleractinia
|
| Family |
Fungiidae
Fungiidae
|
| Genus |
Sandal Coral
Polyphyllia
|