Gorgonians

Scientific Name: Melithaea zimmeri

Description: Gorgonians are part of a group of coral animals known as soft corals as they don’t have hard skeletons like reef-building corals. They are usually arranged quite flat in appearance and contain flexible proteins that are strong enough to keep their fan rigid in currents.

The individual polyps along the branches have tiny tentacles for capturing plankton. Gorgonians come in a variety of colours around Barwon Heads, including yellow, bright red, and orange.

Type: Stinger
Where to find: Subtidal Reefs
Size: 50cm