flattened sea fan coral
Paramuricea placomus
The flattened sea fan coral (Paramuricea placomus) is a colonial soft coral species characterized by its distinctive fan-shaped, flattened branching structure that grows in a single plane. This Mediterranean endemic coral forms colorful colonies with polyps that extend to filter-feed on plankton and organic particles from the water column.
15
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Cnidaria
Class
Anthozoa
Order
Malacalcyonacea
Family
Paramuriceidae
Genus
Paramuricea
flattened sea fan coral belongs to the family Paramuriceidae, order Malacalcyonacea, within the Anthozoa class.
Species Profile
The flattened sea fan coral (Paramuricea placomus) is a colonial soft coral species characterized by its distinctive fan-shaped, flattened branching structure that grows in a single plane. This Mediterranean endemic coral forms colorful colonies with polyps that extend to filter-feed on plankton and organic particles from the water column. As a habitat-forming species, it provides important three-dimensional structure on rocky substrates, creating shelter and feeding areas for numerous marine organisms including fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
The flattened sea fan coral faces severe population declines primarily due to climate change impacts including ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduced calcification rates. Additional pressures from fishing activities, coastal development, and pollution further compromise the survival of remaining populations in the Mediterranean Sea.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Paramuricea placomus inhabits rocky substrates and vertical walls in the Mediterranean Sea, typically found at depths ranging from 15 to 200 meters in areas with moderate to strong water currents. The species thrives in well-lit zones where sufficient water flow provides the plankton and nutrients necessary for filter-feeding.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The flattened sea fan coral faces severe population declines primarily due to climate change impacts including ocean warming and acidification, which cause coral bleaching and reduced calcification rates. Additional pressures from fishing activities, coastal development, and pollution further compromise the survival of remaining populations in the Mediterranean Sea.
Ocean acidification
Ocean warming and coral bleaching
Coastal development and sedimentation
Fishing activities and physical damage
Marine pollution
Found in 15 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). flattened sea fan coral (Paramuricea placomus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/flattened-sea-fan-coral