Northern Sea Pen [Flabelliderma trochiformis]
Description
The Northern Sea Pen is a deep-sea species found in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by a long, slender, cylindrical structure, with a top that widens out into a flattened, disc-like shape. The body is covered in polyps that extend outwards, giving it a feathery appearance. The Northern Sea Pen is a filter feeder, using its polyps to catch plankton and detritus. It prefers soft, muddy substrates where it can anchor itself.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Terebellida
Terebellida
|
| Family |
Flabelligeridae
Flabelligeridae
|
| Genus |
Flabelliderma
Flabelliderma
|