Phosphorescent Sea Pen

Pennatula phosporea
Phosphorescent Sea Pen

Habitat: Muddy sea floor
Depth: From 20m
Food: Plankton, detritus
Length: 20-40cm tall
Lifespan: Unknown
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated (NE)

Related to sea anemones and corals, the sea pen is actually a colony of individuals living together. The central stem holds feather-like branches carrying many white polyps. Each polyp spreads out tiny tentacles to trap prey. When touched, the phosphorescent sea pen produces brilliant flashes and pulses of light. Macduff is the only aquarium in the UK that displays these animals.

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