Ellisella Elongata

Overview

Ellisella elongata, commonly known as the long sea whip, is a species of gorgonian soft coral belonging to the family Ellisellidae. It is primarily found in the western Atlantic, ranging from the northern Gulf of Mexico through the Antilles and south to the Amazon River mouth in Brazil.

Appearance

This species typically forms long, slender, whip-like colonies with minimal branching. The main body of the coral is generally brown to reddish in color. When the polyps are extended, they display white stalks topped with eight distinct tentacles, a characteristic feature of octocorals.

Distribution & habitat

Ellisella elongata is endemic to the central east coast of the Americas. It is frequently observed in mesophotic reef environments, where it can be a dominant component of the coral community. These corals are typically found attached to hard, rocky substrates.