Orange Sea Fans of the Deep

Orange sea fans (Swiftia exserta) or red polyp octocoral are a type of gorgonians that belong to the group of non-photosynthetic cnidarian species. These sea fans occur throughout the west Atlantic in fairly deep (e.g., 60 to 1600 feet) and nutrient-rich waters along coastal areas with moderate currents. Colonies are fan-shaped with orange to red stem and polyps, and grow 6-18 inches in height. Check this storyboard to learn more about these deep water Orange Sea Fans.