Anthomastus giganteus
Anthomastus giganteus, or the gigantic soft coral, is a deep dwelling species of soft coral from South Africa.
| Anthomastus giganteus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Cnidaria |
| Class: | Octocorallia |
| Order: | Alcyonacea |
| Family: | Alcyoniidae |
| Genus: | Anthomastus |
| Species: | A. giganteus |
| Binomial name | |
| Anthomastus giganteus Tixier-Durivault, 1954 | |
Description
This soft coral is made up of large, fleshy polyps arising from a single long stalk. All the polyps are autozoids, meaning that they are independent and capable of feeding themselves.stalked. The disc-like base is often attached to a hard substance or to debris. The stalk ranges from pink or red to orange and the polyps are a paler beige, white or pinkish colour. Alternatively, the whole organism may be white in colour.[1]
Distribution and habitat
This species is known from the coast of South Africa.[2] It is one of the deepest occurring soft corals and has been found at depths of up to 450 m (1,480 ft).[2]
References
- Atkinson, Lara J; Sink, Kerry J (2018). Field guide to the offshore marine invertebrates of South Africa (PDF). Pretoria: South African Environmental Observation Network. ISBN 978-1-86868-098-6. OCLC 1037159161.
- Leen van Ofwegen (2010). "Anthomastus giganteus". WoRMS. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
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