Distinguishing Characteristics |
Colony of polyps, looks similar to a lily pad in shape; rachis (body) is flattened but fleshy, kidney or horseshoe shaped, convoluted, wider than long; has a single polyp which forms an anchoring stem (peduncle) on the underside, the stem is shorter than 1/2 the diameter of the rachis; color usually reddish purple but can be from white to deep purple; upper surface with protruding polyps. |
Similar Species |
This is the only sea pansy in the Gulf of Mexico. |
Habitat |
Gulf, sandy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
10 cm (4 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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