Finger Soft Coral [Alcyonium digitatum]
Description
Alcyonium digitatum, or the Finger Soft Coral, is a common species of soft coral native to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It is often found in shallow water and grows in clusters resembling fingers or hands, hence its name. This species feeds primarily on plankton and small invertebrates, capturing them with the tiny tentacles on its polyps. It is known for its bright pink or orange color.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Alcyoniidae
Alcyoniidae
|
| Genus |
Alcyonium
Alcyonium
|