Calvet's Adeonella

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Calvet's Adeonella is a marine animal colony that can easily be mistaken for a small plant-like structure. It forms rigid colonies with flattened branches, arranged in fans or divided blades. Its colour varies from orange to orange-brown between individuals and with environmental conditions.The colony consists of a great many small calcified compartments called zooecia, each housing an individual. These units work in a coordinated way, together carrying out the colony's vital functions. The colony is generally oriented to intercept currents.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It attaches to hard substrates such as rocks, mainly in dark or dimly lit places: overhangs, vertical walls and the entrances to cavities. It occurs in the Mediterranean Sea.It is found from a few metres to several tens of metres deep, in areas with moderate, regular water movement.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Calvet's Adeonella feeds by filtering water. The individuals in the colony extend small crowns of tentacles that capture suspended microscopic particles, mainly plankton and organic particles.When the tentacles are extended at the same time, the colony can take on a slightly feathery or fluffy appearance.