Polyp: Colony with extensive upright branches of varied shape, sometimes fingerlike; branches irregularly branched, generally in one plane; tips of branches usually free and digitate; five to nine dactylopores surrounding each gastropore; gastrozooid with one whorl of four to seven short capitate tentacles. Reproduction: Gonophores as eumedusoids. Ecology and Distribution: Common in Florida, Bahamas and the Caribbean. Only species (from those observed in Bocas del Toro) that commonly grows deeper than 10 m.
Bocas Species Database
Habitat: Usually in shallow water close to mangroves and grow with calcareus subtsract. Distribution: Common throughout the Caribbean. Characteristics: Multiple branches in a single plane with small pores from which the tiny polyps protrude. Tan or mustard with white tips and edges. Notes: Can cause painful stings that can develop into a painful rash or welts if touched.