21 – Octocorals
229
Order Alcyonacea
Family Clavulariidae. Genera in this family consist
of cylindrical or bluntly conical polyps usually joined
only at their bases by reticulating stolons, which may
coalesce into thin membranous expansions. In some
genera, tall cylindrical polyps develop long secondary
polyps that resemble branches. In a few instances, polyps are also connected by extra, transverse, bar-like
stolons above the basement layer. Nearly all of the species in this family have sclerites, and it is not unusual
(A)
(B)
Figure 21.4 Pennatulacea, or sea pens, generally inhabit soft bottom habitats and are often hidden in the sand during the
day. A, Cavernularia sp.; B, Virgularia sp. (Photos: K. Fabricius.)
(A)
(B)
Figure 21.5 The blue coral, Heliopora coerulea (family Helioporidae). A, whole colony; B, cross-section of a broken
branch and close-up of the colony surface. (Photos: K. Fabricius.)
229
Order Alcyonacea
Family Clavulariidae. Genera in this family consist
of cylindrical or bluntly conical polyps usually joined
only at their bases by reticulating stolons, which may
coalesce into thin membranous expansions. In some
genera, tall cylindrical polyps develop long secondary
polyps that resemble branches. In a few instances, polyps are also connected by extra, transverse, bar-like
stolons above the basement layer. Nearly all of the species in this family have sclerites, and it is not unusual
(A)
(B)
Figure 21.4 Pennatulacea, or sea pens, generally inhabit soft bottom habitats and are often hidden in the sand during the
day. A, Cavernularia sp.; B, Virgularia sp. (Photos: K. Fabricius.)
(A)
(B)
Figure 21.5 The blue coral, Heliopora coerulea (family Helioporidae). A, whole colony; B, cross-section of a broken
branch and close-up of the colony surface. (Photos: K. Fabricius.)