MarLIN

information on the biology of species and the ecology of habitats found around the coasts and seas of the British Isles

Red sea fingers (Alcyonium glomeratum)

Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.

Researched byPaolo Pizzolla Refereed byAdmin
Authority(Hassal, 1843)
Other common names- Synonyms-

Summary

Description

General colony shape similar to Alcyonium digitatum with an irregular, lobed form. However, in this species the lobes are more slender (not more than 2 cm wide), up to 30 cm high and often branched. Blood red or rust in colour, rarely pale orange or yellow, but the polyps are always white. When the polyps are visible, each has eight pinnate tentacles, which give a feathery appearance to the surface of the colony.

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

Alcyonium glomeratum is mainly found on the south and west coasts of Britain and Ireland but occurs as far north as western Scotland.

Global distribution

-

Habitat

On bedrock in gullies and caves at locations sheltered from strong wave action below 10 -15 m. It can also be found on more open coasts in the far south west.

Depth range

-

Identifying features

  • Irregular lobed form.
  • Lobes up to 30 cm high.
  • Lobes slender, not more than 2 cm wide.
  • Blood red or rust in colour.
  • Polyps always white.

Additional information

May be confused with Alcyonium digitatum.

Listed by

- none -

Further information sources

Search on:

NBN WoRMS

Bibliography

  1. Fish, J.D. & Fish, S., 1996. A student's guide to the seashore. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

  2. Hayward, P., Nelson-Smith, T. & Shields, C. 1996. Collins pocket guide. Sea shore of Britain and northern Europe. London: HarperCollins.

  3. Hayward, P.J. & Ryland, J.S. (ed.) 1995b. Handbook of the marine fauna of North-West Europe. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

  4. Howson, C.M. & Picton, B.E. (ed.), 1997. The species directory of the marine fauna and flora of the British Isles and surrounding seas. Belfast: Ulster Museum. [Ulster Museum publication, no. 276.]

  5. JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee), 1999. Marine Environment Resource Mapping And Information Database (MERMAID): Marine Nature Conservation Review Survey Database. [on-line] http://www.jncc.gov.uk/mermaid,

  6. Manuel, R.L., 1988. British Anthozoa. London: Academic Press.[Synopses of the British Fauna, no. 18.]

  7. National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas website. Available from: http://www.nbnatlas.org.  Accessed 01 April 2017

Citation

This review can be cited as:

Pizzolla, P.F 2008. Alcyonium glomeratum Red sea fingers. In Tyler-Walters H. and Hiscock K. (eds) Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews, [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Available from: http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1503

Last Updated: 17/04/2008