Feather black coral
Antipathes pennacea
Pallas, 1766
Description:
Profuse primary and secondary branches extend from a holdfast in nearly a single plane; reaching over 1.5 m in both height and width. Young specimens may display a spiral colony form. Branches lined with characteristic pinnate branchlets, giving the colony a feather-like appearance.
Color:
Primary and secondary branches golden-brown to brown, gray and black, may be tinted red, green or blue. Branchlets often of lighter color.
Habitat:
The species is most common at depths of 25 to 60 m, but has been taken as deep as 330 m. In shallow waters, it inhabits caves and is found under large overhangs.
Distribution:
Rare Florida; common to uncommon Bahamas and Caribbean.