Sea Pens belong to the Order Pennatulacea (in the Class Alcyonaria [Octocorallia],
of the Anthozoa). In other words they are soft coral-like animals in the
shape of a pen, that superficially resembles a plant if it lived on land
The have stinging organelles like the sea anemones and all cnidarians,
which are contained in polyps along the branches off from the long axial
polyp (the pen or oozoid). The sessile Sea Pens can capture small organisms
brought in by the gentle currents. They can be found in sheltered low energy
sites, which means silt on the bottom.
Deep red shallow water species found buried in mud below 15 metres depth, but not in the English Channel. Broad pen.
Slender sea pen found in deep mud, and off-white
in colour. Requires sheltered conditions where it will be found in Scottish
sea lochs and fjords. If the sheltered conditions are available, this species
is widespread from Norway to the Mediterranean. Usually in water deeper
than 10 metres.
Marine *** Web Site contains photographs.