Anthelia is a noun that refers to a type of soft coral belonging to the family Xeniidae, commonly found in tropical waters. These corals have a distinctive appearance, characterized by slender, whip-like branches with polyps attached along their length. The branches are often delicate and flexible, giving Anthelia corals a feathery or fan-like appearance when they sway with the currents.
Anthelia corals are typically colonial organisms, meaning that numerous individual polyps live together and form a single interconnected structure. Each polyp has its own tentacles, which are used to capture small prey and filter food particles from the water. The overall colony can vary in size, ranging from a few centimeters to several meters in diameter.
These corals are photosynthetic, which means they contain symbiotic zooxanthellae algae within their tissues. These algae use sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis, providing nutrients to the coral. In return, the coral provides a protected environment and essential nutrients for the algae's growth.
Anthelia corals are often sought after by aquarium enthusiasts due to their attractive appearance and ability to sway gracefully in the water. However, they require specific water parameters and care to thrive in a controlled tank environment.
In summary, Anthelia refers to a type of soft coral characterized by slender, whip-like branches with polyps along their length. These colonial corals are photosynthetic and are valued for their striking appearance in aquarium settings.
