Bright red sea fan (MELITHAEA OCHRACEA)
PUVE041-2
Sea fans are colonies of sessile marine polyps growing on a branched skeleton. In MELITHAEA OCHRACEA, this structure forms a delicate arborescence of bright natural red — a colour that can only be seen under artificial light, as red wavelengths are absorbed beyond a depth of 20 m and appear dark blue underwater.
This species covers the rocky slopes of Micronesia, at depths of 20 to 100 metres, growing perpendicularly to the current so that its eight-tentacled polyps can capture micro-organisms suspended in the water.
Carefully dried and mounted on a black base, this specimen becomes a true marine curiosity, entirely in keeping with the spirit of the cabinet of curiosities.
This species covers the rocky slopes of Micronesia, at depths of 20 to 100 metres, growing perpendicularly to the current so that its eight-tentacled polyps can capture micro-organisms suspended in the water.
Carefully dried and mounted on a black base, this specimen becomes a true marine curiosity, entirely in keeping with the spirit of the cabinet of curiosities.
