Genus Chironephthya: Similar to sea fans, but lack central
axis... and to Siphonogorgia, but polyps are able to retract to their
own calyx.
https://www.oceanlight.com/log/chironephthya-fijis-other-soft-coral.html
| Chironephthya sp. Fiji
pic. |
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| Chironephthya sp. N. Sulawesi pix. |
 
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Genus Siphonogorgia: Superficially resemble Gorgonians.
Polyps clustered toward ends of branches, absent from lower trunk,
branches. No internal "axis" like sea fans. Can be completely
withdrawn. Western Pacific; Philippines, Belau, Solomon Islands. Common
on reef slopes, overhangs at times.
| Siphonogorgia sp. Red Sea, Indo-Pacific.
Plankton feeders like the true Sea Fans. Have erect two-dimensional
branched colonies. Main stem and principal branches bear few
polyps. Polyps vary in color per individual. To two feet in height.
This one in the Red Sea. |
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