Cnidaria
Telesto fruticulosa
Telesto fruticulosa
(Orange Telesto)
(Orange Telesto)
1. In situ with polyps extended (Greg McFall)
2. In situ with polyps extended (Greg McFall)
3. Out of water - Orange Telesto is in forefront of picture (Steve Vives)
4. Out of water - Telesto fruticulosa on left (Steve Vives)
Size
Colony height: 5-15cm (2-6") Polyp diameter: 1cm (0.5")
Recognition Characters
Colonies form long trunks with branched stems. Each stem tipped with a large, singular, white polyp. Secondary polyps extend from all sides.
Color
Orange to pale orange. Polyps are white.
Habitat & Depth
Colonize areas of rocky outcroppings and hard bottoms. Also wrecks. 10-100m deep.
Distribution at GRNMS
Abundant at GRNMS and nearby hardbottom areas.
Geographic Range
North Carolina to Florida Keys.
Behavior & Notes
Synonyms
Humann 1992b