Corky sea finger
Briarium asbestinum
(Pallas, 1766)
Description:
The colony is composed of upright cylindrical branches of about 1 cm in diameter, which are jointed only at the common incrusting base and lower parts of the colony. The long, brown tentacles of the polyps give the species a hairy appearance. If touched, the tentacles will slowly retract, exposing a smooth to nodular surface with numerous small apertures, or openings, all over the branch. The branches can be 60 cm tall.
Color:
Purplish gray; polyps brownish.
Habitat:
Inhabit most reef environments, especially shallow fringing, patch and back reefs areas, to about 30 meters depth.
Distribution:
Abundant to common South Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.