Spiny sea fan
Muricea muricata
(Pallas, 1766)
Description:
Low, broad fan-shaped colonies, branched laterally with only occasional dichotomous secondary branching, all in single planes; rarely exceeding 30 cm in height, but very broad. End branches short, slightly tapered and flattened, 6.0 by 4.5 mm in diameter. Apertures bordered by very prominent, projecting lower, spiked, lips.
Color:
Pale yellowish brown to light brown; polyps white.
Habitat:
Inhabit a wide range of shallow to moderately deep environments.
Distribution:
Common to occasional Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.