Common name: Dead Man's Fingers

General information

Alcyonium palmatum, commonly known as Dead Man's Fingers, is a species of soft coral in the family Alcyoniidae. It is characterized by its finger-like lobes that extend from a tough, leathery base. The coral is typically pink, red, or white and has a velvety appearance due to the presence of tiny polyps on its surface. This species is not a stony coral and does not contribute to reef building, but it does add a unique aesthetic to any marine environment.

Care

Dead Man's Fingers is a non-photosynthetic soft coral, which means it relies on feeding rather than light for its nutritional needs. It requires a moderate to strong water flow to deliver food particles and remove waste. Hobbyists should provide a varied diet of planktonic foods, including finely minced seafood and coral-specific food preparations. It is important to maintain stable water quality, with regular water changes and efficient filtration.

Reproduction

This soft coral reproduces both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction occurs through the release of gametes into the water column, while asexual reproduction happens through fragmentation, where pieces of the coral break off and attach to a new substrate to form a new colony.

Habitat

Alcyonium palmatum is found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, from the coasts of Norway to the Azores and the Mediterranean Sea. It typically inhabits rocky substrates and overhangs in subtidal zones, often forming dense aggregations. This coral prefers cooler water temperatures and can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 meters deep.