Red Soft Coral [Alcyonium palmatum]
Description
Alcyonium palmatum, commonly known as Red Soft Coral, is a species of soft coral in the family Alcyoniidae. It is native to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It typically grows in dense clumps on rocks and other hard substrates. Its polyps are usually retracted during the day, giving the colony a soft, spongy appearance. At night, the polyps extend to feed on plankton in the water column.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Jellyfish, Sea Anemones, and Relatives
Cnidaria
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Sea Anemones and Corals
Anthozoa
|
| Order |
Soft Corals
Alcyonacea
|
| Family |
Alcyoniidae
Alcyoniidae
|
| Genus |
Alcyonium
Alcyonium
|