Branching coral with thick stems and many short, feathery polyps.

Thick stem gorgonian

Pseudoplexaura sp.
Where at Shedd?
Wonder of Water
Diet Very small animals and plant-like organisms called zooplankton and phytoplankton, organic matter, photosynthesis with symbiotic zooxanthellae
Size Colony height: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
Type Corals & Anemones
Range Coral reefs in the West-Central Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea
Habitat Clear water reef areas of the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Did you know?

  1. Compared to other corals, this species is particularly slimy.
  2. Members of this coral family have exceptional chemical properties. Scientists have discovered anti-inflammatory properties in some of them.
  3. Researchers estimate the value of coral reefs to the American fishing industry at $100 million. But food is just one resource the ocean provides. It also gives us recreation and a mode of transportation. What do you depend on the ocean for?