Order PENNATULACEA Verrill, 1865
Compiler and date details
August 2015 - Dr Phil Alderslade
Introduction
“Sea pens” This order of soft corals is highly specialized for life in soft sediments or sand. The sea pen colony is composed of two parts - an 'above-ground' rachis that contains the feeding polyps and a 'below-ground' muscular peduncle that anchors the colony into the substrate. Named for their resemblance to a quill pen, sea pens form a central stalk, composed of calcium carbonate from which branches radiate, with polyps occurring along the rachis or branches. Most sea pens are nocturnal hence the ranchis emerges only after dark. Consulting specialist for this section was Dr Phil Alderslade.
General References
Williams, G.C. 1995. Living genera of sea pens (Coelenterata: Octocorallia: Pennatulacea): illustrated key and synopses. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 113: 93-140
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05-Aug-2022 | OCTOCORALLIA Haeckel, 1866 | 13-Aug-2013 | MOVED | Dr Phil Alderslade |
| 05-Aug-2022 | 24-Nov-2011 | MODIFIED | ||
| 05-Aug-2022 | 29-Sep-2010 | MODIFIED | ||
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |