actinoptilum molle

ANIMALIA / CNIDARIA / ANTHOZOA / PENNATULACEA / ECHINOPTILIDAE / ACTINOPTILUM / MOLLE

Actinoptilum molle (Kükenthal, 1902)

indigenous

Report Error Export Excel

Morphological description

Colony is cylindrical, plump and sausage shaped. Densely clustered polys project along ┬¥ (three quarters) of body. Radial symmetry of the rachis which tapers gradually to a rounded apex. Polyps distributed evenly on all sides often forming longitudinal rows. Thick peduncle tapering gradually usually 1/5th to 1/3rd of total colony length. Colour varies between white, yellow, red, orange, pink to purple and brown. They can grow up to 240 mm but average size is between 60 – 80 mm (Williams 1990).

Global distribution

South West Indian Ocean.

SA distribution

Cape Columbine to Inhaca island (Mozambique); 12-333m in depth.

Movement

Sessile (Williams 1990).

Trophic strategy

Filter feeder (Williams 1990).

Reproduction

Brood embryos internally and the larva either crawl a short distance from the adult or are short-lived in the plankton and subsequently establish new colonies in near proximity to the adults (Williams 1990).

Biome

Benthic, Offshore (>30m)

Occurrence records map

This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations

iNaturalist: Data partners records: DNA:

Residence status

Occurrence in African countries and South African provinces. Residence status indicates if a taxon is indigenous, endemic, or alien in a specific region. This data is based on specimen records and literature.

FSA

BOT

NAM

ESW

LES