Incrusting gorgonian
Erythropodium polyanthes
(Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1860)

Description:
This is one of the two incrusting species of gorgonians in the Caribbean. It forms lumpy masses on rocks and dead coral or may incrust other species of living gorgonians, slowly killing them as it grows upward. The apertures and polyps are very large. When the polyps are retracted, this species is very inconspicuous and resembles an incrusting sponge. The thickness of the mat is about 1.0 cm.

Color:
The polyps are gray or brownish. The surface of the colony is purplish brown.

Habitat:
Primarily restricted to the patch reef environment.

Distribution:
Off Florida, Lesser Antilles.

Remarks:
The other incrusting gorgonian in the area, E. caribaeorum , can be distinguished from this species by its thinner mats (4 mm), smaller polyps and grayish color. It never incrusts gorgonians and is much rarer than E. polyanthes .

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Cnidaria
Class Anthozoa
Subclass Octocorallia
Order Gorgonacea
Genus Erythropodium
Species Erythropodium polyanthes

Status in World Register of Marine Species

Accepted name: Erythropodium polyanthes Deichmann, 1936

Scientific synonyms and common names

Incrusting gorgonian [English]
Briareum polyanthes

Cairns, S., 1977. Guide to the Commoner Shallow-water Gorgonians (Sea Whips, Sea Feathers and Sea Fans) of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Region. Sea Grant Field Guide Series, 6.

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