Coe.55 Lobophytum(Devil’s Hand Coral)
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Octocorallia
Order: Alcyonacea
Family: Alcyoniidae
Genus: Lobophytum
Description
Lobophytum corals have a
unique and distinctive appearance. Their polyps are lobed or finger-like,
resembling the shape of a human hand or multiple hands extending from a central
base. These lobes often have a textured or wrinkled surface and can come in
various colors, including shades of brown, green, yellow, and tan. The
coloration may vary depending on the species, the specific location within a
reef, and environmental factors.Soft corals like Lobophytum are known for their
flexibility, as they lack the rigid calcium carbonate skeleton found in hard
corals. Instead, they have a soft and fleshy structure. Lobophytum corals are
filter feeders, using their polyps to capture plankton and other small
particles from the surrounding water.
IUCN
Status: Not evaluated
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