Cnidarian Archives

Rose Lace Coral
Stuart Wynne 9th October 2020 1 Comment

As I have said in some of my past gallery posts, the detail on the underwater world that can be seen if one looks close enough never ceases to amaze. Rose Lace Coral (Stylaster roseus) is one …

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Sun Anemone
Stuart Wynne 3rd February 2020 No Comments

The Sun Anemone (Stichodactyla helianthus) is a little different from most other anemones as it has really short stubby tentacles, and can grow together in what might almost be classed as colonies, forming large mats that can cover …

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Solitary Disc Coral
Stuart Wynne 5th November 2019 1 Comment

The Solitary Disc Coral (Scolymia wellsi) differs from the majority of other stony corals as it does not form colonies of polyps, instead living an independent existence, free from all the ties of colony life. In terms of …

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Pillar Coral
Stuart Wynne 21st October 2019 No Comments

Responsible for probably one of the most impressive coral formations you are likely to see while diving, Pillar Coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus), as its common name suggests, can from impressive pillars if given time and the right conditions. Pretty …

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White Encrusting Zoanthid
Stuart Wynne 31st July 2019 No Comments

You can be forgiven if you mistakenly think the White Encrusting Zoanthid (Palythoa caribbaeorum) is a type of coral, as it looks remarkably similar to large polyp species such as Great Star Coral (Montastraea cavernosa). As …

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Elliptical Star Coral
Stuart Wynne 24th November 2017 No Comments

Small colonies of Elliptical Star Coral (Dichocoenia stokesi) can easily be confused with the similar Golfball Coral, although corallites of D. stokesi are usually more closely grouped, and can be more irregular in shape. This species is also …

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Common Sea Fan Detail
Stuart Wynne 21st October 2017 No Comments

The Common Sea Fan (Gorgonia ventalina), as its name suggests, is pretty common in the waters around Anguilla, gently swaying in the water forming forest-like areas where it grows with other gorgonian species. The image here is a …

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Mat Zoanthid
Stuart Wynne 22nd September 2017 No Comments

I spent a long time keeping my eyes open for a Mat Zoanthid ‘colony’, and for the longest time was convinced they were absent from Anguillian waters despite being classed as common in the Caribbean. Then while snorkelling at Little

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Solitary Gorgonian Hydroid
Stuart Wynne 5th September 2017 No Comments

I have to say that the Solitary Gorgonian Hydroid is one of the most bizarre creatures that I have encountered on Anguilla’s reefs. They start out life looking like tumors on the main branches of gorgonians, with the tube they …

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