Family
Common name: Sea Pens
Scientific name: Veretillidae
Veretillidae, commonly known as sea pens, are a family of octocorallian cnidarians that resemble antique quill pens. Members of this family are colonial organisms, consisting of a primary polyp that anchors into the sediment and secondary polyps that form the 'feathers' of the pen. They are found in a variety of marine environments, often in soft substrates where they can anchor themselves. Sea pens can display fascinating bioluminescent displays when disturbed. In the aquarium, they require stable conditions with low to moderate flow and lighting, and they benefit from occasional feeding of fine particulate foods.