In the above figure, one can also observe the sutures between individual polyps. This represents a continuous layer of tissue or living skin that drapes across the surface of the underlying hard skeletal structure that builds the reef. This connection of tissue provides for the distribution of nutrients as well as communication amongst the individual of this large colony. Produce a flexible skeleton that is variably mineralized. Mesenteries and Tentacles are emplaced in sets of 8.
Tentacles are complex with small pinnate fringes.
Soft corals typically are ahermatypic , do not possess symbionts. The advantage of this non-rigid skeleton is that it allows soft corals to live in areas of realtively high current strength. In this way, soft corals such as seafans and seawhips can effectively place themselves in areas where nutrients can be effectively retreived from passing currents. Note that these fans are also colonial corals comprising numerous individual polyps. This mutual relationship of benefit, or symbiosis, is a major factor in the success of recent coral reefs in developing large communites in shallow shelf regions of the marine realm.