Sea Fan
Sea Fan Facts !
- Sea fans are animals
- Sea fans steams are flexible allowing them to survive in strong places.
- Are soft corals that look like underwater plants.
sea fans
Each gorgonian polyp has eight tentacles which catch plankton and particulate matter that is consumed. This process, called filter feeding, is facilitated when the "fan" is oriented across the prevailing current to maximise water flow to the gorgonian and hence food supply.
Some gorgonians contain algae, or zooxanthellae. This symbiotic relationship assists in giving the gorgonian nutrition via photosynthesis. Gorgonians possessing zooxanthellae are usually characterized by brownish polyps.
Gorgonians are found primarily in shallow waters, though some have been found at depths of several thousand feet.[3][6] The size, shape, and appearance of gorgonians can be correlated with their location. The more fan-shaped and flexible gorgonians tend to populate shallower areas with strong currents, while the taller, thinner, and stiffer gorgonians can be found in deeper, calmer waters.[3]