''Siphonogorgia godeffroyi'', the cherry blossom coral or Godeffroy's Soft Coral, is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
soft coral
Alcyonacea, or soft corals, are an order of corals. In addition to the fleshy soft corals, the order Alcyonacea now contains all species previously known as "gorgonian corals", that produce a more or less hard skeleton, though quite different f ...
in the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...
Nidaliidae. It is native to the central Indo-Pacific region. Its range includes Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. This species was first described in 1874 by the Swiss biologist
Albert von Kölliker
Albert von Kölliker (born Rudolf Albert Kölliker'';'' 6 July 18172 November 1905) was a Swiss anatomist, physiologist, and histologist.
Biography
Albert Kölliker was born in Zurich, Switzerland. His early education was carried on in Zurich, ...
.
Description
''Siphonogorgia godeffroyi'' is an arborescent coral with red or pink bare branches. The
polyps are white and star-like and are concentrated on the tips of small branches. This species feeds on plankton. It is found at depths between and grows on both rocky and coral reefs, on rock ledges, on reef slopes and under overhangs.
References
Nidaliidae
Animals described in 1874
{{Octocorallia-stub