Encrusting Gorgonian
| Name: | Encrusting Gorgonian |
| Scientific Name: | Erythropodium caribaeorum |
| Family: | Gorgonians |
| Taxonomic: | Anthothelidae |
| ID Group: | Corals, Algae |
| Size: | up to 3 ft. |
| Depth Range: | On the reef (10 – 60 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
This Gorgonian forms flat, branching colonies covered in soft, light brown tissue with fine tentacles. Its pale polyps are usually retracted during the day, and its main stalks are dark brown.
The Encrusting Gorgonian typically grows as a thin mat over hard surfaces. It feeds by catching tiny drifting animals (plankton) with its tentacles and also gets energy from sunlight through algae living in its tissues.