Common Sea Fan Collection

A shiver of Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) swim over a coral reef with Common sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina) and sea plumes (Pseudopterogorgia sp)

RF - Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) swim over a coral reef with Common sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina) and Sea plumes (Pseudopterogorgia sp)

A vibrant Caribbean coral reef with two Reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) and Common sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina) and sea plumes (Pseudopterogorgia sp)

A pair of Flamingo tongue cowries (Cyphoma gibbosum) on a common sea fan (Gorgonia ventalina) which they predate upon, East End, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies, Caribbean Sea

Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) sitting disoriented on top of Common sea fan (Gorgonia ventalina) after being driven out of hiding by fisherman

Polyps, c. 1860 (colour litho)
1109875 Polyps, c.1860 (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: From A Naturgeschichte des TierreichsA (Natural History of the Animal Kingdom)

A shiver of Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) swim over a coral reef with Common sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina) and sea plumes (Pseudopterogorgia sp)

Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) swimming over a coral reef, watched by a Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) surrounded by common sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina)

Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) swimming over Common sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina) on a coral reef. East End, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies. Caribbean Sea

Common Sea Fan (Gorgonia ventalina) Coral Reef Island, Belize Barrier Reef. Second largest barrier reef system in the world. Belize, Central America

Flamingo Tongue (Cyphoma gibbous) on Common Sea Fan (Gorgonia ventalina), Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize, Central America

Gougonia flabellum, pink sea fan
Coral skeleton of a pink sea fan from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Flamingo tongue snail (Cyphoma gibbosum). This sea snail feeds on the polyps of corals, sucking them out of their holes with its syphon (not seen)

Flamingo tongue snails (Cyphoma gibbosum) feeding on a sea fan (Gorgonia sp.). These sea snails feed on the polyps of sea fans, sucking them out of their holes with their syphons (not seen)

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The common sea fan (Gorgonia ventalina) is a stunning and vital component of the Caribbean coral reef ecosystem. Its delicate branches sway gracefully in the ocean currents, providing shelter and protection for a variety of marine life. One such inhabitant is the vibrant Flamingo tongue cowrie (Cyphoma gibbosum), which can be seen perched upon the common sea fan. These beautiful shells are not just for show; they actually prey upon the sea fan itself, feeding on its tissue and leaving behind distinctive trails. Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) also frequent these reefs, gliding effortlessly over the coral landscape. A shiver of these majestic creatures can often be spotted swimming above a colorful carpet of corals, including the common sea fan. Sadly, human activities sometimes disrupt this delicate balance. Fishermen driving out Caribbean spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus) from their hiding places may inadvertently disorient them, causing them to seek refuge on top of a common sea fan. This disruption highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices to protect both lobster populations and their habitat. Despite these challenges, there is hope for preserving this underwater paradise. The beauty and diversity captured in c. 1860 lithographs remind us that even then people recognized the value of protecting our oceans' treasures. From Belize's Barrier Reef to Utila Island in Honduras, from Lighthouse Reef Atoll to Hol Chan Marine Reserve - wherever you find yourself surrounded by crystal-clear waters teeming with life - keep an eye out for these enchanting creatures: Venus Sea Fan (Gorgonia flabellum), Flamingo Tongue snails resting delicately on Common Sea Fans, or perhaps even a Caribbean reef shark majestically swimming over this intricate coral structure. Let us cherish and protect these incredible ecosystems so that future generations can continue to marvel at nature's wonders beneath the waves.