Sea Fan coral

The common name is Purple sea fan. They can be Yellow or Brown in color but these colors are much rarer.

Ventalina has a unique growth style that is influenced by feeding style; because they are filter feeders their growth form allows for optimal contact between living colony tissue and water . The shape and form of a gorgonian is one that faces directly into the water flow to increase feeding rates and respiration. The orientation of a sea fan in respect to water flow is important.