Brown gorgonian and California golden gorgonian on underwater rocky reef below kelp forest, Catalina Island. Gorgonians are filter-feeding temperate colonial species that lives on the rocky bottom at depths between 50 to 200 feet deep. Each individual polyp is a distinct animal, together they secrete calcium that forms the structure of the colony. Gorgonians are oriented at right angles to prevailing water currents to capture plankton drifting by. USA
Species:
Brown gorgonian,
California golden gorgonian,
Muricea californica,
Muricea fruticosaLocation:
Catalina Island,
CaliforniaImage ID:
37292Format: Digital 1:1
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