| Aspect: | A delicate thin, single-plane lattice that spreads from several main branches. Very similar in shape and colour (generally tan or light green, often with pink/purple root and main branches) to other sea fans. |
| Population: | Common. |
| Notable feature: | The only way of visually distiguishing the Venus Sea Fan from the similar Common Sea Fan (q.v.) is to take a close-up view of its structure: if the thin branches that constitute the lattice (and which houses the coral polyps) are rounded or domed on either side of the main plane, it most likely is a Venus Sea Fan. |
| Environment: | From shallow waters all the way down to 30 metres, but specimens have been seen as deep as 50 metres. Often oriented against the current for better water sifting action. |
| Behaviour: | Easily break under careless diver fin action, reason why shallow water specimens are often damaged. |
Last update: 22/10/15
Venus Sea Fan
- French designation: Eventail de Mer de Vénus
- Latin designation: Gorgonia flabellum
- Creole designation: -
- Size (cm): 100
View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://divepix.webdhb.com/index.php/en/animalia/cnidarians/octocorals/321#sigProId06e0d585e0
https://divepix.webdhb.com/index.php/en/animalia/cnidarians/octocorals/321#sigProId06e0d585e0