Gorgonian twig coral explained

The gorgonian twig coral (Homphyton verrucosum) is a species of gorgonian sea fan in the family Anthothelidae.^[1]

Description

This coral grows as finger-like branches which may be single or relatively unbranched. The polyps are numerous and cover the entire colony except for the basal region. It is variably coloured in red, yellow or orange.^{[2] [3]}

Distribution

This sea fan is found only around the South African coast from False Bay to Sodwana in 20–40 m of water. It is endemic to this region.

Ecology

This coral is often found covered with an unidentified encrusting sponge.

Notes and References

1. Web site: WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Homophyton verrucosum (Möbius, 1861) . marinespecies.org . 24 July 2013.
2. Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa
3. Jones, Georgina. A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula. SURG, Cape Town, 2008.