White sea fan
PUVE096
Sea fans are colonies of sessile marine polyps supported by a branching skeletal structure known as gorgonin. Each polyp uses its eight tentacles to filter plankton carried by underwater currents, and the colony grows perpendicularly to the flow in order to maximise its filtration surface.
This specimen comes from the Indo–Pacific region. Once dried, the living tissue disappears, revealing the natural beige colour of the gorgonin skeleton, and exposing the delicate, tree-like network formed by the colony.
Displayed on a brass base, this marine curiosity takes on the appearance of a natural sculpture, perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the cabinet of curiosities.
This specimen comes from the Indo–Pacific region. Once dried, the living tissue disappears, revealing the natural beige colour of the gorgonin skeleton, and exposing the delicate, tree-like network formed by the colony.
Displayed on a brass base, this marine curiosity takes on the appearance of a natural sculpture, perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the cabinet of curiosities.
