Common sea fan

Description:

This purple coral "fan" may grow up to six feet in width, while this one was approximately three feet. It has several "spines" running from its base to near the end of the fan's "leaves." It has lesser veins running throughout the fan, as might be seen in a tree's leaves.

Habitat:

This species is found throughout the Bahamas in the Caribbean south to Curacao, and off the coast of Florida from three feet in depth down to one hundred feet.

Notes:

As seen swaying in the current on the bottom and when located in a reef setting, the common sea fans are quite beautiful.