Single-stalked sea pen [Cavernularia obesa]
Description
The Single-stalked sea pen, or Cavernularia obesa, is a species of sea pen in the family Veretillidae. It can be found in the western parts of the Atlantic Ocean. It has a single, thick, fleshy stem which can grow up to 20 cm in height. The stem is covered in small polyps, each with eight tentacles, that catch plankton and other small particles for food. The sea pen often lives in sandy or muddy sediments, where it can retract completely for protection.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Sea Pens
Pennatulacea
|
| Family |
Umbellate Sea Pens
Umbellulidae
|
| Genus |
Single-Stalked Sea Pen
Helicascus
|