These look like sea fans at first glance, but they are actually a type of sponge that also has a flattened fan shape. The large surface is oriented facing the current to take advantage of food flowing in the water. These types of animals give us an idea of the prevailing current in an area.

These look like sea fans at first glance, but they are actually a type of sponge that also has a flattened fan shape. The large surface is oriented facing the current to take advantage of food flowing in the water. These types of animals give us an idea of the prevailing current in an area. Image courtesy of S. Brooke.

 

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Florida Coast Deep Corals 2005: Coral Habitats

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery