Cnidaria
Leptogorgia hebes
(Regal Sea Fan)
1. In situ (Greg McFall)
2. In situ (Greg McFall)
3. In situ - Picture shows smaller colony with polyps exposed. (Greg McFall)
4. Out of water (Steve Vives)
5. Out of water (Steve Vives)
Size
Colony height: reaching 45cm (18")
Recognition Characters
Colonies are thickly branched, generally in single planes. Branches are somewhat flattened. Polyps alternate in rows along edges. Rows are separated by distinct grooves on older main branches. Calyces are generally more prominent in older parts of the colony.
Color
Branches are orange or red, sometimes reddish purple. Polyps are translucent white.
Habitat & Depth
Attach to areas of hard bottom mixed with sand to 30m.
Distribution at GRNMS
Abundant. Grows on the top of ledges.
Geographic Range
North Carolina, Florida, Gulf of Mexico. May be north of N. Carolina
Behavior & Notes
Synonyms
Humann 1992b