Pulsing Xenia [Xenia umbellata]
Description
A soft coral species, native to the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its rhythmic pulsing action, which is unique in the coral world. This species forms clumps of polyps which are attached by a flexible, translucent stalk. The polyps are typically white, cream, or pink in color. They inhabit shallow waters and lagoons, often found on reef flats and upper slopes.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Alcyoniidae
Alcyoniidae
|
| Genus |
Xenia
Xenia
|