Ptilocaulis walpersi
(Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864)
Description:
Shape variable: encrusting, irregularly massive, plate-shaped, fan-shaped or erect finger-shaped, dichotomously branching or forming brushes of 10 or more close-cropped branches. The surface is uniformly covered with flattened processes (P. walpersi-close up).
Color:
Orange-red.
Habitat:
Occurs on coral reef bottoms, down to 35 m.
Distribution:
Widely distributed in the Caribbean, from Florida to Colombia.