Giant slit-pore sea rod
Plexaurella nutans
(Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860)
Description:
Colonies very tall with thick stalks and sparse, dichotomous branching; up to 1.3 m in height. End branches thick, 10-15 mm in diameter, and can be very long, up to 1 m. The ends of the branches are usually club-shaped. Apertures widely spaced and each is usually elevated on a small mound. The apertures are 2-2.5 mm in diameter and range from nearly circular to slit like in shape.
Color:
Pale gray to tan or light brown.
Habitat:
Inhabit patch and fore reefs in clear waters.
Distribution:
Common to occasional Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.