Size

Crown diameter: 2-3cm 0.75-1.25"

Recognition Characters

Circular crown of radioles often variegated or banded. Occasionally uniform. Parchment-like tubes are usually hidden. Dark eyespots are often visible on stems of radioles.

Color

Radioles are shaded brown, maroon, or violet. Sometimes banded with white.

Habitat & Depth

Reefs and surrounding areas of rubble and sand. Often congregate in small groups of less than 5 individuals. Tubes usually hidden in sand or cracks and recesses in reef. To 25m.

Distribution at GRNMS

Common. Mostly found attached to small cracks or crevices in rocks.

Geographic Range

Georgia, Florida, Caribbean

Behavior & Notes

These are shy animals. They instantly retract crowns into tubes when disturbed. If diver waits motionless for several minutes crowns may slowly extend and reopen.

Synonyms

References

Humann 1992a