Sea Fan
Definition
A sea fan is a soft coral with a branching, fan-like structure that provides habitat for marine life and adds color to reefs.
More on Sea Fan
Sea fans are a type of gorgonian coral known for their delicate, lace-like appearance. They are made of a flexible skeleton covered in polyps that feed on plankton. Sea fans are typically found in shallow tropical waters where they can filter feed with the help of currents. They are important components of reef ecosystems, offering shelter for small fish and invertebrates. Sea fans are sensitive to water quality and are vulnerable to damage from human contact or anchor drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
They have a central skeleton made of gorgonin (a protein) covered in living polyps that filter plankton from the water.
Sea fans are classified as soft corals. They do not produce a rigid calcium carbonate skeleton like stony corals.
No. Touching sea fans can damage their fragile tissue and disrupt their feeding polyps. Always observe without contact.
They thrive in tropical and subtropical oceans, often perpendicular to the current to maximize plankton capture.
Yes. They are home to shrimp, crabs, gobies, and nudibranchs, making them an important microhabitat on coral reefs.