Mushroom Soft Coral [Anthomastus ritteri]
Description
The Anthomastus ritteri, or Mushroom Soft Coral, is a species found in the deep waters of the Eastern Pacific, from Alaska to California. It is a solitary, non-reef building coral that has a mushroom-shaped cap with tentacles extending from the top. The Mushroom Soft Coral feeds on small particles in the water, including plankton. The species has a unique ability to regenerate its tissues, making it resilient against predation and damage.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Alcyoniidae
Alcyoniidae
|
| Genus |
Anthomastus
Anthomastus
|