Purple Sea Whip [Leptogorgia virgulata]
Description
The Purple Sea Whip is a species of soft coral native to the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the southeastern coast of the United States. It forms colonies that are branched and whip-like in appearance, and can reach up to 1 meter in height. The colonies are typically purple in color, but can also be red or orange. The Purple Sea Whip is commonly found on rocky substrates and reefs in moderate to strong currents, where it feeds on plankton and detritus.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Gorgoniidae
Gorgoniidae
|
| Genus |
Sea Whips
Leptogorgia
|