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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Pink sea fan

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

On a current-swept drop-off, the Pink sea fan attracts attention with its pinkish-white shades and robust branches. This slow-growing species constantly filters the surrounding water and provides valuable habitat for small underwater animals.

Habitat de Pink sea fan Habitat
Coralligenous habitat, Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Pink sea fan Depth
30-100 m
Groupe biologique de Pink sea fan Group
Cnidarian
Rôle écologique de Pink sea fan Role
Filter feeder, Ecosystem engineer

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This sea fan forms often fairly regular fan-shaped colonies, whose colour varies from off-white to pale pink, sometimes more intense depending on the individual and environmental conditions. Its branches are thick, stiff and bear distinctive small protuberances giving it a rough appearance. Each colony is attached to the substrate by a broad base. It grows slowly, measured in millimetres to a few centimetres a year depending on conditions.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It occurs on rocky substrates exposed to currents, mainly in the Northeast Atlantic and more rarely in the Mediterranean. It settles from a few metres down to several tens of metres deep, depending on light and hydrodynamics, favouring areas with regular water circulation.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Like other sea fans, it feeds by filtration. Its polyps capture organic particles and plankton carried by currents, which form the bulk of its diet.

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Other species — Cnidarian

Red Coral Red gorgonian Black Coral Orange sea whip White sea fan Yellow sea fan Gold Coral Tube-dwelling anemone

Same habitat and depth

Coralligenous habitat species Rocky seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Filter-feeding species Ecosystem engineer species

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