Rough sea plume
Muriceopsis flavida
(Lamarck, 1815)
Description:
Colonies form bushy clusters of tall, plume-like branches, up to 75 cm in height. Several long main branches give rise to numerous shorter branchlets, 5-8 cm in length. The slender branchlets, 2.5 mm in diameter, extend from all sides of the main branches. Often, secondary branches develop new plumes from the main branch. Very small, less than 1 mm, closely set apertures occur on all sides of the main branches and branchlets. The apertures have small, lower shelf-like lips, giving the surface a somewhat rough texture.
Color:
There is regional variation in coloration: specimens from the Caribbean are dull brown or buff-white, while specimens from other parts of the West Indies are purple tinged with yellow.
Habitat:
Inhabit most clear water patch reef environments.
Distribution:
Common Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.